What rights are protected by the Second Amendment?

The Second Amendment of the United States Constitution specifically protects the right to "keep and bear arms." This amendment was ratified in 1791 as part of the Bill of Rights and is often cited in discussions concerning gun ownership and regulation. The language of the Second Amendment reflects the framers' intent to enable citizens to defend themselves and to maintain a militia, which was deemed necessary for the security of a free state.

The other options refer to different amendments within the Bill of Rights or other legal protections. The right to free speech is protected by the First Amendment, the right to a fair trial is ensured by the Sixth Amendment, and the right to privacy is inferred from various amendments, though it is not explicitly stated in the Constitution. Therefore, the focus on the Second Amendment makes it clear that the primary right it protects is related to firearms and self-defense.