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

The First Amendment of the United States Constitution protects several fundamental rights that are essential to the functioning of democracy and the protection of individual liberties. Among these rights are the freedoms of speech, religion, and assembly.

Freedom of speech ensures that individuals can express their ideas and opinions without censorship or restraint by the government. This includes not only verbal communication but also written, symbolic, and expressive forms of speech.

Freedom of religion guarantees individuals the right to practice their faith freely without interference from the government. It also protects individuals from being compelled to conform to a particular religion or belief system.

Freedom of assembly allows people to gather peacefully for purposes of demonstrations, protests, and other forms of collective action. This right is integral to civic engagement and the ability to express collective viewpoints.

Since the First Amendment explicitly protects each of these rights, the correct choice encompasses all of them. Therefore, the answer is not just one of the protections but rather recognizes that all three—speech, religion, and assembly—are protected under the First Amendment. This comprehensive protection highlights the significance of these freedoms in American democracy.