Which constitutional amendment provides the right to free speech?

The First Amendment of the United States Constitution is the one that provides the right to free speech. Ratified in 1791, it guarantees several fundamental rights including the freedoms of religion, speech, press, assembly, and petition. These protections are essential to the functioning of a democratic society as they allow individuals to express themselves freely without government interference or censorship.

Free speech is critical for facilitating open discourse, enabling citizens to critique government actions, and fostering a marketplace of ideas where different perspectives can be shared and debated. The First Amendment serves as a cornerstone for civil liberties in the U.S., emphasizing the importance of individual expression and the role it plays in promoting a healthy democracy.

In contrast, the other amendments listed do not pertain to free speech: the Second Amendment addresses the right to bear arms, the Third Amendment relates to the quartering of soldiers, and the Fifth Amendment deals with rights in criminal proceedings such as protection against self-incrimination.