The First Amendment to the United States Constitution primarily protects individuals by preventing the government from infringing on several fundamental rights. The most relevant response from your options is:
It prevents the government from limiting free speech.
This is one of the key protections offered by the First Amendment, which also includes the rights to freedom of religion, freedom of the press, the right to assemble peacefully, and the right to petition the government. While the First Amendment does not prevent private entities, such as businesses, from regulating speech within their own domains, it specifically restricts government actions that would limit these freedoms.
The First Amendment does allow for certain exceptions, such as speech that incites violence or constitutes a true threat, where the government can take action. However, the overarching principle is that it serves to protect individuals' rights against government overreach.