What does the First Amendment protect?

The First Amendment is a critical component of the United States Constitution, and it specifically protects several fundamental rights that are essential to a democratic society. These rights include the freedom of speech, which allows individuals to express their ideas and opinions without fear of government censorship; the freedom of religion, which ensures that individuals can practice their faith or choose not to follow any religion at all; the freedom of the press, which safeguards the ability of journalists to report news and disseminate information without government interference; the right to assembly, permitting people to gather peacefully for protests or other forms of expression; and the right to petition the government to address grievances.

This broad protection of civil liberties reflects the Founding Fathers' intent to ensure that citizens could engage in open discourse and hold the government accountable, which are fundamental principles of democracy. The other options refer to rights granted by different amendments in the Constitution but are not part of the First Amendment's protections. Thus, recognizing the comprehensive nature of the First Amendment underscores its critical role in safeguarding essential personal freedoms and ensuring a vibrant civil society.