Which amendment grants the right to free speech?

The First Amendment is integral to the Constitution as it specifically guarantees several fundamental rights, among which is the right to free speech. This amendment was ratified in 1791 as part of the Bill of Rights and has since been foundational in protecting individual expression and limiting government censorship.

The importance of the First Amendment extends beyond just verbal expression; it safeguards written communication, artistic expression, and even symbolic actions that convey a message. The protection of free speech is vital to a functioning democracy, as it allows for open discourse, debate, and the exchange of ideas, which are essential for informed citizen participation in governance.

Other amendments mentioned do not directly protect the right to free speech. The Second Amendment pertains to the right to bear arms, the Fourth Amendment addresses protections against unreasonable searches and seizures, and the Eighth Amendment focuses on preventing cruel and unusual punishment. Thus, the First Amendment is the key source for the protection of free speech within the American legal framework.