Which of the following rights is protected under the First Amendment?

The First Amendment of the United States Constitution protects several fundamental rights, with freedom of speech being one of the most significant. This amendment guarantees individuals the right to express themselves without fear of government censorship or punishment. This includes spoken words, written communication, and other forms of expression, allowing for a vibrant marketplace of ideas and a foundation for democratic participation.

The other choices represent important rights but are protected under different amendments. The right to vote is primarily safeguarded by the 15th, 19th, and 26th Amendments, which address voting rights for African American men, women, and those 18 years and older, respectively. The right to bear arms is protected by the Second Amendment, which emphasizes an individual's right to possess firearms. The right to a fair trial is ensured by the Sixth Amendment, which guarantees rights related to criminal prosecutions, including access to legal counsel and a public trial by an impartial jury. Each of these rights plays a crucial role in American democracy but falls under different constitutional protections.