What guarantees rights such as freedom of speech, religion, and assembly?

The Constitution guarantees rights such as freedom of speech, religion, and assembly through the First Amendment. This foundational document of the United States outlines the structure of government and establishes essential rights for individuals, ensuring these freedoms are protected against infringement by the government.

The Declaration of Independence, while a significant historical document asserting the colonies' independence from British rule, does not explicitly guarantee rights. It expresses ideals and principles but does not function as a legal framework for protecting those rights. Similarly, the Articles of Confederation were the first governing document of the United States and primarily established a loose confederation of sovereign states, lacking a bill of rights. The Emancipation Proclamation was a pivotal executive order that aimed to abolish slavery but did not encompass broader civil liberties and individual rights. Therefore, the Constitution is the key legal document that enshrines and protects these fundamental freedoms.