Which of the following is a right or freedom protected by the First Amendment?

The First Amendment to the United States Constitution fundamentally protects several key rights related to individual freedom, with the most notable being the right to free speech. This right allows individuals to express themselves without government interference or regulation.

Free speech is essential in a democratic society, as it enables open discussion, dissent, and the dissemination of ideas, which are crucial for informing citizens and fostering public debate. The protection of this right encourages a diversity of opinions and viewpoints, ensuring that all individuals have the opportunity to voice their thoughts on various issues, including matters of public policy and governance.

The other options—the right to bear arms, the right to a fair trial, and voting—while important rights, are protected under different amendments in the Constitution. The Second Amendment addresses the right to bear arms, the Sixth Amendment guarantees the right to a fair trial, and voting rights are primarily safeguarded through various laws and amendments, including the Fifteenth and Nineteenth Amendments. Thus, the unique and specific protection of speech under the First Amendment underscores its significance in safeguarding democracy and individual freedoms.