Which amendment guarantees freedoms of religion, speech, press, assembly, and petition?

• A. 1st Amendment
• B. 2nd Amendment
• C. 4th Amendment
• D. 5th Amendment

Answer: (A)

Freedom of religion, speech, press, assembly, and petition are protected by the First Amendment. This part of the Bill of Rights, ratified in 1791, establishes five core liberties that limit government power over what people can think, say, publish, gather, or ask the government to change. It prevents the government from establishing an official religion or interfering with individuals’ religious practices, secures the right to express opinions and ideas freely, protects a free press to report and investigate, allows people to come together in peaceful groups, and permits petitioning the government for grievances or changes. The other amendments listed cover different protections—for example, the right to bear arms, protection against unreasonable searches and seizures, and protections in criminal prosecutions—so they don’t guarantee these five freedoms.