The correct response that explains how the First Amendment limits the power of the government to pass laws is:
A. Congress can pass no law respecting or restricting religion, or laws limiting freedoms of speech, assembly, the press, or to petition the government.
This response directly addresses the core protections provided by the First Amendment, which safeguards individual freedoms related to expression, religion, assembly, and the press. It establishes clear limitations on government actions that could infringe upon these fundamental rights.