What does the 2nd Amendment protect?

The Second Amendment of the United States Constitution specifically protects the right to keep and bear arms. This provision has been a subject of significant interpretation and legal debate, primarily revolving around the balance between an individual's right to own firearms for personal use and the government's interest in regulating ownership to ensure public safety.

The text of the Second Amendment mentions the need for a "well regulated Militia" and ties the right to bear arms to this concept, suggesting a connection to collective defense as well as individual rights. The Supreme Court case District of Columbia v. Heller (2008) affirmed that individuals have a constitutional right to possess firearms unrelated to militia service, specifically for self-defense within the home.

Understanding this context is essential when analyzing contemporary discussions around gun rights, legislation, and public policy. The other options do not relate to the Second Amendment and address different aspects of individual rights protected under the Constitution.