What is the Second Amendment?

The Second Amendment of the Constitution stipulates that the rights of people of the United States to possess and bear arms "shall not be infringed." Multiple interpretations of the amendment have prompted controversy over gun carrying in recent years, as of 2014.

One interpretation of the Second Amendment protects governmental authorities from restricting firearm possession, while another interpretation recognizes the right to bear arms but with restrictive regulations regarding concealment and carrying of guns and firearms. The opposing interpretations and theories are still debated as of 2014, and many states offer differing restrictions regarding the use and ownership of firearms.