The Second Amendment (Amendment II) to the United States Constitution protects the right to keep and bear arms. It was ratified on December 15, 1791.The militia system, with deep roots in English history, was one way of ensuring that the nation could defend itself against all threats, foreign and domestic. It simply recognizes our right to defend our lives and liberty against any threat, foreign or domestic. 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. 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. In addition to the right to bear arms, I firmly believe all Texans have the right to their independence and minimal government interference. 1 Whatever the Amendment may mean, it is a bar only to federal action, not extending to state2 or private3 restraints. The headings to the individual sections of the Texas Constitution are, with a few exceptions, unofficial and have been added for the convenience of the reader. It's time we take the second amendment seriously and get government out of our rights.