The right to keep and bear arms is protected under which amendment?

The right to keep and bear arms is explicitly protected under the Second Amendment of the United States Constitution. This amendment states, "A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed." This provision has been the foundation for debates regarding gun rights and regulations within the United States, emphasizing the individual’s right to possess weapons for self-defense and other lawful purposes.

Understanding the context of the Second Amendment is crucial, as it reflects a historical perspective on the importance of militias and personal security in the early formation of the nation. In contrast, the other amendments mentioned focus on different rights: the First Amendment addresses freedoms concerning religion, expression, assembly, and the press; the Third Amendment deals with the housing of soldiers; and the Fourth Amendment protects against unreasonable searches and seizures. Each amendment serves a distinct role in the protection of citizens' rights, thus highlighting the specific nature of the Second Amendment in relation to firearm ownership and use.