What right is 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 reflects the Founding Fathers' intent to ensure that individuals have the ability to possess weapons. The context in which it was written includes a recognition of the importance of a well-regulated militia for the security of a free state, as well as an acknowledgment of individuals' rights to self-defense and personal security.

The phrasing of the Second Amendment has led to extensive legal interpretation and debate regarding the scope of this right, particularly in relation to gun control laws and regulations. However, at its core, this amendment is fundamentally about the individual right to own and carry firearms, which is why it is the correct answer to the question regarding the rights it protects.