Final answer:
The First Amendment protects fundamental rights such as freedom of speech and religion, which are essential for democracy. Courts interpret these rights, which can adapt over time. The Ninth and Tenth Amendments also ensure a broad spectrum of protected rights and balance of power between federal and state governments.
Step-by-step explanation:
The First Amendment, as a basic constitutional principle, ensures freedom of speech, religion, press, and assembly. It embodies the essential rights that enable a democracy to function by allowing citizens to express their views, practice their faiths, or dissent without fear of government reprisal. Courts play a critical role in interpreting the scope of these rights, which can evolve with changing times and technology. In addition, the Ninth Amendment protects rights not explicitly stated in the Constitution, suggesting a broad spectrum of fundamental rights that underpin American democracy. Similarly, the Tenth Amendment ensures a balance of power by reserving rights to the states that have not been delegated to the federal government or explicitly prohibited by the Constitution. These amendments, together with the other provisions of the Bill of Rights, define and protect the liberties that are critical to the American way of life.