What does the right of freedom of assembly allow citizens to do in the United States?

The right of freedom of assembly allows citizens in the United States to come together in groups for a common purpose, particularly to express their views publicly. This includes the ability to organize and participate in peaceful demonstrations, protests, and gatherings to advocate for various causes or raise awareness about issues. This right is protected under the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, which ensures that individuals can assemble peacefully without interference from the government, as long as the assembly does not incite violence or disrupt public order.

The other options represent rights and activities protected under different constitutional amendments or laws, but they do not specifically encapsulate the essence of the right to assemble. Voting in elections is a civic duty related to participation in democracy, petitioning the government is about expressing grievances or requests, and accessing public records pertains to transparency and accountability in government operations. Each of these rights plays an important role in civic engagement but does not directly pertain to the specific action of assembling publicly.