Which amendment to the U.S. Constitution guarantees the right to bear arms?

The Second Amendment to the U.S. Constitution guarantees the right to bear arms. Ratified in 1791, 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 amendment has been central to discussions about gun rights and regulations in the United States, reflecting the Founding Fathers' intent to ensure that individuals have the ability to defend themselves and maintain a militia for communal defense.

Understanding this amendment is crucial, as it has served as the legal foundation for numerous court cases and legislative debates surrounding gun ownership. The significance of the right to bear arms is rooted in the context of self-defense, preservation of liberty, and as a safeguard against tyranny. The other options, while important amendments, do not address the issue of gun ownership directly; instead, they pertain to different rights such as freedom of speech, protection from unreasonable searches, and protection from cruel and unusual punishments.