What does the First Amendment protect?

The First Amendment of the United States Constitution is a fundamental component of the Bill of Rights, established to protect several essential freedoms that are critical in a democratic society. It specifically safeguards the freedoms of speech, press, religion, assembly, and the right to petition the government.

Freedom of speech ensures that individuals can express their thoughts and ideas without fear of government retaliation or censorship. This right is central to democracy as it allows for the free exchange of ideas and opinions. Similarly, freedom of the press protects the media's ability to report and disseminate information, which is vital for an informed public and accountability of the government.

Moreover, the freedom of religion allows individuals to practice their faith openly or choose not to practice any religion at all, promoting a diverse and tolerant society. The rights to assemble and to petition the government provide citizens the ability to gather peacefully and advocate for changes or express grievances to their government representatives.

This cluster of rights is designed to promote a free and open society where individuals can engage in dialogue and critique their government, making option B the correct choice. The other options pertain to rights protected by different amendments in the Constitution, which do not fall under the protections granted by the First Amendment.