Final answer:
The nonviolent conduct protected by the Constitution is free speech, as outlined in the First Amendment, which allows for various expressions but excludes incitement of violence, "fighting words," threats, and defamation.
Step-by-step explanation:
The nonviolent conduct protected via the Constitution is a) Free speech.
The First Amendment to the United States Constitution provides several protections, including the freedom of speech. While this right is broad and allows for a variety of expressions, it is not absolute. Certain forms of speech, such as incitement of violence, "fighting words," threats, and defamation (libel and slander), are not protected. Important legal cases like Brandenburg v. Ohio clarified that advocating for the use of force is protected unless it incites immediate unlawful action.
Civil disobedience, while often based on moral grounds, does involve knowingly breaking the law and is thus not constitutionally protected. Treason, defined as levying war against the U.S. or aiding enemies, is explicitly a crime under the Constitution and not a protected act. The First Amendment also protects peaceful assembly, which enables people to gather and express their views, subject to reasonable restrictions on time, place, and manner.