What does the Second Amendment protect?

The Second Amendment of the United States Constitution specifically protects the right to bear arms, which has been interpreted as the right of individuals to possess and carry weapons for personal defense and other lawful purposes. The text of the amendment emphasizes the importance of a "well regulated Militia" to the security of a free State and thereby establishes the foundation for the legal framework surrounding gun ownership and the limits on firearm regulation. This amendment has been the subject of extensive legal debate, particularly regarding the balance between individual rights and public safety. It is recognized as a significant element of American civil liberties related to personal protection and self-defense.