Which amendment to the U.S. Constitution guarantees rights of conscience, including the right to peaceably assemble?

The 1st Amendment to the U.S. Constitution is crucial in safeguarding several fundamental rights essential to a democratic society. It explicitly guarantees the freedoms of religion, speech, press, assembly, and petition. This means that individuals have the right to hold their personal beliefs and express them freely without government interference. The phrase "right to peaceably assemble" within the amendment particularly emphasizes the importance of gathering for collective expression or protest as a vital component of civic engagement.

In contrast, the 2nd Amendment primarily deals with the right to keep and bear arms, focusing on issues related to militias and personal defense. The 4th Amendment protects against unreasonable searches and seizures and emphasizes the right to privacy, while the 5th Amendment addresses legal protections related to due process and self-incrimination. While all these amendments play significant roles in protecting different aspects of individual rights, it is the 1st Amendment that directly encompasses the rights of conscience and assembly.