What constitutional amendment addresses the right to free speech?

The correct choice is based on the First Amendment, which is a fundamental part of the United States Constitution. This amendment specifically protects several core civil liberties, one of the most significant being the right to free speech. It states that Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.

The First Amendment’s protection of free speech is essential in a democratic society as it allows for the open exchange of ideas and opinions, which is crucial for informed public discourse and the functioning of democracy. This amendment ensures that individuals can express themselves without government interference or regulation, fostering a diverse marketplace of ideas.

Other amendments like the Second, Fifth, and Ninth do not specifically address the right to free speech. The Second Amendment focuses on the right to keep and bear arms, the Fifth Amendment deals primarily with legal protections against self-incrimination and double jeopardy, and the Ninth Amendment protects rights not specifically enumerated in the Constitution. Thus, the emphasis of the First Amendment on free speech is what distinguishes it as the correct answer in this context.