Which amendment grants the right to bear arms?

The Second Amendment of the United States Constitution explicitly grants individuals 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 reflects the Founding Fathers' concerns regarding the need for self-defense and the ability to form militias in the event of tyranny or external threats.

In contrast, the First Amendment focuses on fundamental freedoms such as speech, religion, press, assembly, and petition. The Fourth Amendment protects against unreasonable searches and seizures, while the Fifth Amendment addresses rights related to legal proceedings, including protection against double jeopardy and self-incrimination. Each of these amendments serves distinct purposes within the Bill of Rights, but it is the Second Amendment that specifically addresses the right to bear arms.