The First Amendment guarantees protection of which of the following?

The First Amendment of the United States Constitution is primarily focused on protecting various fundamental rights related to expression and religion. It guarantees freedoms such as religion, speech, press, assembly, and the right to petition the government. Among these, the free exercise of religion is a critical aspect, allowing individuals to practice their faith without government interference. This protection is vital in ensuring that citizens can express their beliefs and engage in religious activities freely, which is a cornerstone of democracy and individual rights in the United States.

The other options listed address different constitutional rights or issues not covered by the First Amendment. The right to bear arms is associated with the Second Amendment, the right to privacy is more related to the Fourth Amendment and interpretations of privacy in various court rulings, and freedom from taxation is not explicitly addressed in the Constitution in the way other rights are; rather, taxation is a power granted to Congress under Article I, Section 8. Therefore, the focus of the First Amendment on the free exercise of religion makes it the correct choice regarding its protections.