Amendment II (1791)

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 Second Amendment, a provision within the United States Constitution's Bill of Rights, has evoked extensive debate and contention throughout its existence. With its precise wording, "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 elicited various interpretations over time, thereby igniting disputes surrounding the individual's entitlement to firearm possession juxtaposed with the necessity for regulation. Advocates assert that the Second Amendment firmly safeguards the pivotal right to self-defense and guards against oppressive authority. Conversely, adversaries underscore the significance of responsible gun control measures to mitigate gun-related tragedies and fortify public safety. As our nation grapples with these contrasting perspectives, the Second Amendment remains an enduring cornerstone within the realm of American legal and political discourse.