Which amendment protects the right to bear arms?

The Second Amendment to the United States Constitution specifically addresses the right to bear arms. Ratified in 1791 as part of the Bill of Rights, 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 phrase establishes the acknowledgment of individuals' rights to possess weapons, framing it in the context of maintaining a militia for the security and defense of the state.

The other amendments listed do not relate to the right to bear arms. The Fourth Amendment protects against unreasonable searches and seizures, the Eighth Amendment prohibits cruel and unusual punishments, and the Tenth Amendment reserves powers not delegated to the federal government for the states or the people. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for grasping the specific protections offered by each amendment in the Bill of Rights.