The original text of the second amendment of the constitution of the united states. The second amendment protects the right to keep and bear arms, allowing people to defend themselves, even if not part of the military. By january 1788, delaware, pennsylvania, new jersey, georgia and connecticut ratified the constitution without insisting upon amendments
Several amendments were proposed, but were not adopted at the time the constitution was ratified. Second amendment 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. Second amendment, amendment to the constitution of the united states, adopted in 1791 as part of the bill of rights, that provided a constitutional check on congressional power under article i section 8 to organize, arm, and discipline the federal militia.
This analysis examines each phrase of the second amendment, tracing its historical origins and exploring how the supreme court has transformed its meaning over time.
