Final answer:
The First Amendment protects individuals' right to freely express their opinions and ideas without government interference or censorship, with some limitations.
Step-by-step explanation:
The First Amendment protects freedom of speech by guaranteeing individuals the right to freely express their opinions and ideas without government interference or censorship. This means that people can openly voice their beliefs, criticize the government, engage in political discussions, and express themselves through various forms of communication such as writing, speaking, and artistic expression.
It is important to note that freedom of speech does have some limitations. Speech that incites violence, poses a direct threat to public safety, or constitutes defamation or harassment is not protected under the First Amendment. Additionally, there may be restrictions on certain types of expression, such as obscenity.