Which rights are protected by the First Amendment?

The First Amendment to the United States Constitution is fundamental in protecting several key personal freedoms that are essential to a democratic society. The rights it safeguards include freedom of speech, which allows individuals to express themselves without government interference; freedom of religion, which protects individuals' rights to practice their faith or choose not to follow any religion; freedom of the press, which ensures that the media can operate independently of government control; the right to assemble peacefully, which enables people to gather for protests or other collective activities; and the right to petition the government, which allows citizens to make grievances known and seek remedies.

These freedoms are vital for the functioning of democracy as they empower individuals to engage in discussion, advocate for changes, and hold government accountable. The First Amendment serves as a cornerstone for ensuring that citizens can participate in public discourse and express diverse views, all essential components of a healthy democratic society. The other options highlight important rights but are covered under different amendments within the Constitution rather than the First Amendment.