What does the 2nd amendment protect?

The Second Amendment of the United States Constitution specifically protects the right to bear arms. This amendment states that "the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed." It was enacted primarily in response to concerns about government tyranny and the need for a well-regulated militia. The amendment has been interpreted by the courts to affirm an individual's right to own and carry weapons for self-defense and other lawful purposes.

Other rights, such as free speech, the right to a fair trial, and protection against unwarranted searches, are safeguarded by different amendments in the Bill of Rights. For instance, free speech is protected by the First Amendment, the right to a fair trial falls under the Sixth Amendment, and protections against unwarranted searches are provided by the Fourth Amendment. Thus, the focus of the Second Amendment is distinctly on the individual's right to possess firearms.