Which amendment addresses the right to bear arms?

The Second Amendment is specifically designed to address the right to bear arms. Ratified in 1791, it reads: “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 amendment articulates the individual’s right to possess weapons for lawful purposes, including self-defense and participation in state militias.

The other amendments mentioned do not pertain to the right to bear arms. The First Amendment focuses on freedoms concerning religion, expression, assembly, and the right to petition the government. The Fourth Amendment protects against unreasonable searches and seizures, establishing the need for warrants to be judicially sanctioned and supported by probable cause. The Eighth Amendment addresses prohibitions against excessive bail, excessive fines, and cruel and unusual punishments. Understanding the specific focus of each amendment provides clarity on the protections afforded under the Bill of Rights, particularly the Second Amendment’s role in the context of gun ownership and regulation.