Which rights are protected by the First Amendment?

• A. Freedom of speech, religion, press, assembly, and petition.
• B. Right to bear arms.
• C. Protection against cruel and unusual punishment.
• D. Right to a speedy trial.

Answer: (A)

The First Amendment protects five fundamental liberties that limit government power over expression and civic participation: freedom of speech, freedom of religion, freedom of the press, the right to assemble, and the right to petition the government for a redress of grievances. These rights collectively foster open debate, inquiry, and participation in public life, allowing individuals to express ideas, publish information, practice or change beliefs, gather peacefully, and seek changes from their government without fear of punishment. The other options belong to different amendments: bearing arms is from the Second Amendment, protection against cruel and unusual punishment is from the Eighth Amendment, and the right to a speedy trial is from the Sixth Amendment.