What is the main purpose of the First Amendment?

The main purpose of the First Amendment is to protect individual freedoms, which include the rights to freedom of speech, religion, press, assembly, and petition. These freedoms are essential to a democratic society and serve as foundational principles to ensure that individuals can express their ideas, beliefs, and grievances without fear of government retaliation or censorship.

By safeguarding these rights, the First Amendment empowers citizens to participate actively in the political process and hold the government accountable, fostering a vibrant public discourse. This protection is crucial for the functioning of democracy, as it allows for diverse viewpoints and the free exchange of ideas, which are fundamental to informed decision-making and civic engagement.

In contrast, the other options suggest functions that are not the primary focus of the First Amendment. Defining the structure of government, regulating commerce, and outlining the lawmaking process pertain to different aspects of the U.S. Constitution, rather than the individual rights and liberties that the First Amendment explicitly seeks to protect.