What does the Constitution say about the right to bear arms?

The Second Amendment to the United States Constitution explicitly recognizes the right to keep and bear arms. The text states that "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 indicates that the Framers intended to give individuals the ability to possess weapons, and it has been a focal point in debates regarding gun rights and regulations throughout American history. The Second Amendment's language emphasizes that this right is tied to the necessity of having a militia, reflecting the historical context of the time when the amendment was ratified. This foundational aspect of the Constitution has led to significant legal interpretations and discussions around individual rights and governmental regulation.

The other answer choices do not accurately reflect the Constitution’s constitutional provisions. The First Amendment, for example, pertains to freedoms of speech, religion, and assembly, while the Fourth Amendment addresses issues of search and seizure. Conversely, claiming that the right to bear arms is not mentioned in the Constitution entirely overlooks the explicit mention in the Second Amendment.