Amendment II
Right to Bear Arms
Ratified December 15, 1791
The Second Amendment's prefatory militia clause and operative arms-bearing clause were held in Heller (2008) and McDonald (2010) to protect an individual right unconnected to militia service, applicable against both federal and state governments.
Full Text
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.
Annotated Version
The Bill of Rights document includes phrase highlights and court case references for this amendment.
Constitutional Framework
Original Text
U.S. Constitution
Articles I–VII (1787). The three branches, enumerated powers, and the framework these amendments modify.
Read →
Amendments I–X
Bill of Rights
Ratified December 15, 1791. Freedom of religion, speech, press, arms, due process, and more.
You are here
Amendments XI–XXVII
Later Amendments
Ratified 1795–1992. Abolition of slavery, equal protection, women's suffrage, and more.
Read →