What rights are protected under the First Amendment?

The First Amendment protects several fundamental rights that are essential to the functioning of a democratic society. These rights include freedom of religion, which allows individuals to practice their beliefs without government interference; freedom of speech, which guarantees the right to express opinions and ideas without censorship; freedom of the press, which protects the right to publish news and opinions; the right to assemble peacefully, which affords individuals the opportunity to gather for social, political, or religious purposes; and the right to petition the government for redress of grievances, empowering citizens to advocate for change and seek remedies for injustices.

Each of these rights contributes to the broader principle of individual liberty and the right to engage in public discourse essential to democracy. In contrast, other options refer to rights protected by different amendments in the Bill of Rights. The right to bear arms is covered by the Second Amendment, the right to a speedy trial falls under the Sixth Amendment, and protection from cruel and unusual punishment is detailed in the Eighth Amendment. Thus, while these others encompass vital protections, they do not fall under the First Amendment, making the option regarding freedom of religion, speech, press, assembly, and petition the correct answer.