Which amendment is primarily associated with freedom of speech?

The First Amendment is primarily associated with freedom of speech because it explicitly establishes several fundamental rights that protect individual liberties. Adopted as part of the Bill of Rights in 1791, the First Amendment guarantees the freedoms of religion, speech, press, assembly, and petition. Its specific language regarding speech prohibits Congress from making laws that infringe upon an individual's ability to express themselves, thereby forming a crucial element of democratic governance and personal liberty.

The First Amendment has been interpreted broadly by the courts, reinforcing the idea that free speech is a vital component of a functioning democracy. This is especially relevant in discussions about the balance between individual rights and governmental authority. The other amendments referenced do not directly address freedom of speech in the same way; they pertain to different rights and issues, such as the right to bear arms (Second Amendment), rights related to legal proceedings and due process (Fifth Amendment), and the powers not delegated to the federal government (Tenth Amendment). Thus, the First Amendment stands out as the cornerstone of free speech protections in U.S. law.