What does the First Amendment guarantee?

The First Amendment of the United States Constitution specifically guarantees protections concerning various fundamental rights related to religion, speech, press, assembly, and petition. It establishes the framework for individual freedoms essential to a democratic society. The amendment explicitly prohibits Congress from making laws that infringe upon the free exercise of religion or that restrict freedom of speech, freedom of the press, the right to assemble peacefully, and the right to petition the government for a redress of grievances.

This foundational principle is crucial for enabling open discourse and the ability for individuals to express their ideas and beliefs without fear of government retaliation or censorship. It underscores the importance of both individual dignity and the democratic process by allowing diverse viewpoints to be presented and challenged.

Other choices reflect rights and protections found elsewhere in the Constitution or legal context. The right to bear arms is addressed in the Second Amendment, the right to a free education is not explicitly guaranteed in the Constitution but is addressed by various state laws and court rulings, and protection from self-incrimination is covered under the Fifth Amendment. Thus, the correct answer distinctly highlights the core freedoms associated with the First Amendment.