Which amendment guarantees freedom of speech?

The First Amendment is the cornerstone of freedom of speech in the United States. Ratified in 1791, it explicitly protects not only the right to express opinions and ideas without government interference but also the right to engage in various forms of communication. This amendment forms part of the Bill of Rights and serves as fundamental protection for individual liberties against governmental overreach.

The significance of the First Amendment extends beyond mere speech; it encompasses a broad range of expressive activities, including artistic expression, protests, and press freedom. This constitutional guarantee encourages a vibrant exchange of ideas, which is essential to a functioning democracy.

The other amendments listed do not address freedom of speech in the same direct way. The Sixth Amendment primarily focuses on the rights of individuals in criminal prosecutions, including the right to a fair trial. The Ninth Amendment emphasizes that the enumeration of certain rights in the Constitution does not deny or disparage other rights retained by the people. The Tenth Amendment affirms that powers not delegated to the federal government are reserved for the states or the people, but again, it does not specifically address speech. Therefore, the First Amendment is clearly the correct answer as it directly enshrines the right to free speech.