What does the Second Amendment protect?

The Second Amendment specifically protects the right to keep and bear arms. It was ratified in 1791 as part of the Bill of Rights and reflects the Founding Fathers' belief in the importance of an armed citizenry for the preservation of a free state. The language of the amendment emphasizes both the security of a free state and the people's right to possess weapons, which has led to significant legal and political discussions regarding individual gun ownership and state regulation.

In this context, the other options address different rights contained in other parts of the Constitution or related legal frameworks. Free speech is protected by the First Amendment, the right to a speedy trial is part of the Sixth Amendment, and the right to privacy has been inferred from various amendments but is not explicitly stated in the Constitution. Thus, the focus of the Second Amendment is uniquely centered on firearms and their regulation, which is why it makes option B the correct answer.