When was it ratified?
The Second Amendment was proposed by James Madison in 1789 and ratified on December 15, 1791, as part of the Bill of Rights. See the ratification dates and state-by-state order or the full timeline.
Second Amendment Reference Library
A neutral, citation-grade resource for constitutional text, Supreme Court decisions, and historical documents
The 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."
— U.S. Constitution, Amendment II (ratified December 15, 1791)
Second Amendment Quick Facts
What does it protect?
In D.C. v. Heller (2008), the Supreme Court held it protects an individual right to keep and bear arms for lawful purposes such as self-defense — a right that is "not unlimited."
Does it apply to the states?
Yes. McDonald v. Chicago (2010) held the right applies to state and local governments through the Fourteenth Amendment. See incorporation.
How do courts decide cases today?
Under Bruen (2022), gun laws must be consistent with the nation's historical tradition of firearm regulation — the text, history, and tradition test, refined in Rahimi (2024).
Explore the Library
Start Here
Plain-English introduction to the Second Amendment, its text, historical context, and modern interpretation by courts.
Primary Sources
Original documents including the Bill of Rights, Federalist Papers, militia acts, and founding-era writings.
Supreme Court Cases
Comprehensive analysis of landmark Second Amendment decisions from Miller to Rahimi.
Key Concepts
Essential legal terms and doctrines used in Second Amendment jurisprudence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Clear answers to common questions about the Second Amendment and constitutional rights.
Historical Timeline
Visual timeline from the founding era through modern Supreme Court decisions.
Recent Additions
Our Approach
This reference library maintains strict neutrality in presenting Second Amendment materials. We provide primary sources, accurate case summaries, and historical context without advocacy. Every major claim includes citations to original documents or authoritative sources.