Which of the following rights is NOT protected by the First Amendment?

• A. Freedom of Speech
• B. Freedom of Religion
• C. Right to Privacy
• D. Right of Assembly

Answer: (C)

The First Amendment protects specific freedoms related to expression and civic participation: freedom of speech, freedom of religion, freedom of the press, the right to assemble, and the right to petition the government. These protections are about expressing ideas, practicing religion freely, publishing information, gathering peacefully, and seeking action from the government.

The right to privacy, however, is not part of those First Amendment protections. Privacy interests are addressed elsewhere in the Constitution, most notably by the Fourth Amendment, which guards against unreasonable searches and seizures, and by later case law under due process. So while privacy is a fundamental concept, it isn’t enumerated as a First Amendment right, making it the correct answer. The other listed rights are clearly protected by the First Amendment.