What does the 2nd Amendment protect?

The Second Amendment of the United States Constitution specifically protects the right of individuals to keep and bear arms. This provision has its roots in the historical context of the need for a well-regulated militia and the importance placed on self-defense and individual rights. The framers of the Constitution understood the significance of maintaining an armed citizenry as a safeguard against tyranny and as a means of ensuring personal security. Over time, this amendment has been the subject of extensive legal interpretation and debate, particularly regarding what restrictions, if any, can be placed on this right.

The other options represent different rights enshrined in the Constitution but are not related to the Second Amendment. For instance, the right to free speech pertains to the First Amendment, protection from self-incrimination is covered under the Fifth Amendment, and the right to vote is addressed in several other amendments, including the 15th, 19th, and 26th amendments. Thus, option B correctly identifies the scope of the Second Amendment's protections.