What rights does the Second Amendment protect?

The Second Amendment of the United States Constitution specifically addresses the rights related to firearms. It 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 clearly establishes the protection of an individual's right to keep and carry weapons.

Understanding the context of this amendment is important. It was crafted during a time when the founding fathers recognized the need for militias for defense against tyranny and for personal protection. As a result, this amendment has been interpreted by courts to protect the individual's right to own firearms for lawful purposes, including self-defense and participation in militia activities.

The other choices refer to rights that are protected under different amendments; for example, free speech is protected by the First Amendment, the right to a fair trial is guaranteed by the Sixth Amendment, and the right to privacy is derived from various amendments but is not explicitly stated in the Constitution. Thus, the correct choice emphasizes the Second Amendment's explicit focus on the right to keep and bear arms.