What rights does the First Amendment protect?

The First Amendment of the United States Constitution is a crucial part of the Bill of Rights and protects several fundamental freedoms. The correct answer details the specific rights that are enshrined in this amendment, which includes the freedom of speech, religion, press, assembly, and the right to petition the government.

Each of these rights plays a vital role in ensuring that citizens can express themselves freely, practice their religion without interference, receive and disseminate information, gather peacefully to advocate for changes, and seek government action or redress for grievances. This framework is essential for a functioning democracy, as it allows individuals to voice their opinions, pose challenges to government actions, and engage in public discourse.

Other options refer to different amendments or rights not covered by the First Amendment. For instance, the right to bear arms is addressed in the Second Amendment, the right to a fair trial is covered by the Sixth Amendment, and the rights of states are typically discussed in the context of the Tenth Amendment. Each of these amendments serves a unique purpose within the broader structure of the Constitution, but the First Amendment specifically focuses on the freedoms that are foundational to democratic governance and individual liberties.