Which amendment allows individuals to bear arms?

The Second Amendment to the United States Constitution explicitly protects the right of individuals to keep and bear arms. The language of the amendment, which states that "the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed," has been the foundation for legal interpretations and debates over gun rights in America. This amendment emerged during a time when self-defense and militia service were paramount concerns, reinforcing the idea that individuals have the right to possess weapons for personal use and protection.

In contrast, the other amendments listed do not pertain to the right to bear arms: the First Amendment secures freedoms related to speech, press, religion, assembly, and petition; the Fourth Amendment protects against unreasonable searches and seizures; and the Sixth Amendment guarantees the rights of criminal defendants, including the right to a fair trial. Understanding the distinct themes and protections outlined in each amendment clarifies why the Second Amendment is the only one that specifically addresses the issue of bearing arms.