How does the First Amendment protect freedom of religion?

The First Amendment is foundational in safeguarding freedom of religion in the United States. It encompasses two critical clauses: the Establishment Clause and the Free Exercise Clause. The Establishment Clause prohibits Congress from establishing a national religion or favoring one religion over another, ensuring a separation between religion and government. This means that the government must remain neutral in religious matters, thereby preventing any potential oppression or favoritism that might arise from a state-sponsored religion.

Additionally, the Free Exercise Clause protects individuals’ rights to practice their religion freely without government interference, as long as those practices do not violate public laws. This combination of clauses guarantees both the freedom to believe and to express one's religious beliefs openly.

In contrast, the other choices misinterpret the protections offered by the First Amendment. Favoring one religion, prioritizing speech over religious practice, or limiting religious expression to private settings would undermine the essential freedoms that the First Amendment aims to protect. The correct choice accurately reflects the dual protections that the First Amendment offers to ensure a diverse and free religious landscape in the United States.