What does the Second Amendment protect?

The Second Amendment of the United States Constitution specifically protects the right to bear arms. It states, “the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.” This amendment is often cited in discussions about individual gun ownership and regulations, establishing a constitutional foundation for the rights individuals have to possess and carry weapons. It acknowledges both a collective security aspect, relating to the necessity of a well-regulated militia for the defense of the state, and an individual right, ensuring that citizens can own firearms for personal use.

The other options relate to distinct constitutional protections: freedom of speech is covered under the First Amendment, protection against self-incrimination is detailed in the Fifth Amendment, and the rights of accused persons are mainly addressed in the Sixth Amendment. Each of these amendments is crucial in its own right but does not pertain to the specific issue of firearm ownership and use that the Second Amendment addresses.