Which amendment to the Constitution grants freedom of speech?

The First Amendment to the United States Constitution is crucial as it establishes key freedoms that are fundamental to American democracy, including the freedom of speech. Ratified in 1791 as part of the Bill of Rights, the First Amendment protects individuals' rights to express themselves without government interference or regulation. This includes not only spoken words but also symbolic speech and written communication. The significance of this amendment lies in its role as a cornerstone for democratic values, allowing for open discourse, dissent, and the exchange of ideas in a free society.

The Second, Fifth, and Eighth Amendments address different rights—such as the right to bear arms, protections against self-incrimination and double jeopardy, and prohibitions against cruel and unusual punishment, respectively—none of which relate to freedom of speech. This makes the First Amendment the only choice that pertains specifically to the protection of free expression.