Which amendment is concerned with the right to free speech?

The First Amendment is directly associated with the right to free speech. Ratified in 1791, it guarantees several fundamental rights, including freedom of religion, freedom of speech, freedom of the press, the right to peaceably assemble, and the right to petition the government. This means that individuals are allowed to express their opinions and ideas without fear of government censorship or punishment, a cornerstone of a democratic society.

In contrast, the other amendments mentioned focus on different rights and protections. The Tenth Amendment addresses the powers not delegated to the federal government, emphasizing the rights reserved to the states and the people. The Fifth Amendment includes protections related to legal proceedings, such as the right against self-incrimination and ensuring due process. The Eighth Amendment prohibits cruel and unusual punishment, reinforcing humane treatment within the justice system. These distinctions clarify why the First Amendment is specifically linked to the right to free speech.