Where does freedom of speech come from?

Freedom of speech is primarily protected by the First Amendment to the United States Constitution. The First Amendment explicitly states, "Congress shall make no law ... abridging the freedom of speech." This foundational principle not only affirms the right to express one's thoughts and opinions freely but also serves as a crucial element of a democratic society, allowing for open discourse, debate, and the exchange of ideas.

The other amendments mentioned address different rights: the Second Amendment pertains to the right to bear arms, the Third Amendment deals with the quartering of soldiers in private homes, and the Fourth Amendment focuses on protection against unreasonable searches and seizures. Each of these amendments addresses distinct aspects of individual rights and governmental powers, but none encompass the specific right to free speech, which is firmly established in the First Amendment.