What fundamental right is protected by Amendment II of the U.S. Constitution?

Amendment II of the U.S. Constitution specifically protects the right to bear arms. This amendment 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." The historical context of this amendment is rooted in the American Revolution, where the ability of citizens to have arms was seen as essential for self-defense and protection against tyranny.

This right is often discussed in the context of modern debates surrounding gun control and individual firearm ownership. In essence, it establishes a constitutional foundation for the individual's right to possess and carry weapons, reflecting a significant value placed on personal liberty and self-defense in American society.