Which amendment protects the freedom of speech?

The First Amendment protects the freedom of speech as part of its broader commitment to safeguarding individual liberties. Ratified in 1791, this amendment is a cornerstone of American democracy, ensuring that citizens can express their opinions, ideas, and beliefs without government interference. This protection covers various forms of speech, including spoken, written, and symbolic expressions. The framers of the Constitution recognized that freedom of expression is essential for a functioning democracy, allowing for open discourse, dissent, and the exchange of ideas, which are vital for societal progress and political accountability.

Other amendments listed do not specifically address freedom of speech. The Second Amendment focuses on the right to bear arms, the Third Amendment deals with the quartering of soldiers, and the Fourth Amendment concerns the protection against unreasonable searches and seizures. Each of these serves important functions in the context of individual rights, but only the First Amendment explicitly secures the freedom of speech, making it fundamental to the protection of civil liberties in the United States.