What right is guaranteed by the First Amendment?

The First Amendment guarantees the right to free speech, which is a fundamental aspect of individual liberty in the United States. This amendment protects not only spoken words but also written communication and various forms of expression. The framers of the Constitution recognized the importance of free expression as essential to a democratic society, allowing individuals to express their opinions, criticize the government, and advocate for change without fear of retaliation or censorship.

This right is crucial because it fosters an environment where ideas can be freely exchanged, which is fundamental to the functioning of democracy. The protection of free speech under the First Amendment has been interpreted by courts to include symbolic speech, commercial speech, and other forms of expression, further underscoring its broad application in society.

In contrast, the other options represent different constitutional rights that are protected under other amendments. The right to bear arms is safeguarded by the Second Amendment, the right to a fair trial is emphasized in the Sixth Amendment, and the right to vote is protected primarily by the Fifteenth, Nineteenth, and Twenty-fourth Amendments, among others. Each of these rights contributes to the broader framework of American liberties, but the specific guarantee of free speech is enshrined in the First Amendment.