Which amendment protects the right to freedom of speech?

The First Amendment is foundational to the principles of freedom in the United States, specifically protecting the right to freedom of speech. Ratified in 1791 as part of the Bill of Rights, this amendment prohibits Congress from making laws that infringe on the freedom of speech, religion, press, assembly, and petition. The protection of freedom of speech is paramount in democratic societies, as it allows individuals to express their thoughts and ideas without fear of government censorship or retaliation.

In contrast, other amendments listed do not pertain to freedom of speech. For instance, the Third Amendment relates to the quartering of soldiers in private homes during peacetime, while the Fifth Amendment provides rights related to legal proceedings and protects against self-incrimination. The Ninth Amendment emphasizes that the enumeration of certain rights in the Constitution does not mean that other rights not listed are not to be protected. Thus, the First Amendment stands out as the specific guardian of freedom of speech and expression.