Final answer:
The original intent of the Second Amendment of the U.S. Constitution was to protect citizens' rights to own firearms, but interpretation of who is permitted to carry which weapons has evolved over time.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Second Amendment of the U.S. Constitution was originally intended to protect the rights of citizens to own firearms for their defense, and for service in the militia. It was adopted on December 15, 1791 as part of the Bill of Rights. The exact intent and interpretation of the amendment have been subjects of deep legal debates. The phrasing of the amendment has been interpreted in modern times to mean a right of the people, not just the militia, to keep and bear arms. The Supreme Court in District of Columbia v. Heller affirmed an individual's right to possess a firearm unconnected with service in a militia. However, this doesn't suggest that this right is unlimited or that it is not subject to any restrictions. Detailed and specific regulations about which types of firearms are covered under this right (for example, handguns) are subject to legislation and judicial decisions.
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