What It Means
Protects the right of individuals to own firearms.
Historical Context
The colonists had just won independence partly through armed citizen militias.
Original Text
“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.”
- Amendment Number
- 2 of 27
- Ratified
- 1791
- Category
- Bill of Rights
Other Bill of Rights Amendments
Amendment 11791
Freedom of Religion, Speech, Press, Assembly, and Petition
Amendment 31791
Quartering of Soldiers
Amendment 41791
Search and Seizure
Amendment 51791
Rights of the Accused
Amendment 61791
Right to a Fair Trial
Amendment 71791
Trial by Jury in Civil Cases
Amendment 81791
Bail and Punishment
Amendment 91791
Rights Retained by the People
Amendment 101791
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