What rights does the First Amendment protect?

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

Answer: (A)

The First Amendment protects five fundamental freedoms: religion, speech, press, assembly, and the right to petition the government to address grievances. This group of protections limits the government’s power to interfere with what people believe, say, publish, or how they gather and protest, and it guarantees people can seek changes by communicating with public officials.

The other options point to rights found in other amendments. The right to bear arms is in the Second Amendment. Protection against unreasonable searches is in the Fourth Amendment. The right to a speedy trial is in the Sixth Amendment. So the option listing religion, speech, press, assembly, and petition is the one that accurately describes the First Amendment.