What does the Second Amendment protect?

The Second Amendment to the United States Constitution explicitly protects the right of individuals to keep and bear arms. This protection is rooted in the historical context of the amendment, which reflects the Founding Fathers' concern about the need for a well-regulated militia for the security of a free state. The amendment asserts that the right to possess firearms is fundamental, allowing individuals to defend themselves and their property.

The focus is on the clear wording of the Second Amendment, which directly mentions the right to both "keep" and "bear" arms. This has been subject to extensive legal interpretation and discussion, particularly in relation to individual rights compared to collective rights linked to militia service. The Supreme Court has affirmed in various rulings that the Second Amendment guarantees an individual's right to possess firearms for lawful purposes, such as self-defense.

Other options refer to different rights protected under other amendments. For instance, freedom of the press is found in the First Amendment, while the right to assemble peacefully is also part of that same amendment. Protection from unreasonable searches and seizures is covered under the Fourth Amendment. Each of these rights plays a significant role in safeguarding personal liberties, but the focus of the question specifically pertains to the Second Amendment, which is solely concerned with the regulation and ownership of firearms