What does the "Free Exercise Clause" protect?

The "Free Exercise Clause" is a fundamental component of the First Amendment to the United States Constitution, which specifically protects the right of individuals to practice their religion without undue interference from the government. This protection ensures that individuals can engage in religious activities and express their beliefs freely, be it through worship, rituals, or other religious expressions. The intent of the clause is to prevent the government from imposing restrictions or penalties on individuals based on their religious beliefs or practices, thereby fostering a society where diverse religious expressions can coexist.

The other answer choices pertain to different rights protected by the First Amendment as well. The right to free speech refers to the protection of individuals to express their opinions and ideas, the right to assemble peacefully pertains to the ability to gather in groups for expressive purposes, and the right to petition the government allows individuals to make complaints to or seek assistance from government authorities. Each of these rights serves vital purposes in safeguarding democracy, but they fall under different clauses of the First Amendment than the Free Exercise Clause.