Which amendment guarantees freedom of speech?

• A. First
• B. Second
• C. Fifth
• D. Eighth

Answer: (A)

Freedom of expression is protected by the First Amendment, which is part of the Bill of Rights added to the Constitution. It says Congress shall make no law abridging the freedom of speech, and it also supports related freedoms like press, assembly, and petition. This makes it the foundational protection that lets people express ideas, criticize government, and share information without fear of government punishment. The protection extends to individuals against government action, and through the Fourteenth Amendment it applies to state and local governments too. While the right is broad, there are well-established limits for things like incitement to imminent lawless action, true threats, defamation, obscenity, and certain types of regulated commercial speech. The other listed amendments protect different rights and do not guarantee freedom of speech.