What does the First Amendment protect regarding religion?

The First Amendment to the United States Constitution protects several fundamental rights, particularly in the context of religion. It guarantees both the free exercise of religion and prohibits the government from establishing a state religion. This dual protection is crucial, as it allows individuals to practice their religion freely without interference from the government, while also ensuring that the government does not favor one religion over another or impose religious beliefs on its citizens.

The distinction in this protection emphasizes that individuals not only have the right to hold their beliefs but also the right to act in accordance with those beliefs, as long as those actions do not violate established laws. This encompasses a wide range of religious practices, making the First Amendment a cornerstone of religious freedom in the United States.

While the other options pertain to different amendments and freedoms, they do not relate to the First Amendment's explicit protections concerning religion. The right to bear arms is associated with the Second Amendment, while protection from self-incrimination refers to the Fifth Amendment. The concept of establishment pertains specifically to the separation of church and state rather than the freedom of religious exercise.