In the context of the First Amendment, what does petition mean?

• A. Vote in elections.
• B. Pay taxes.
• C. Ask the government for something.
• D. Run for office.

Answer: (C)

Petition here means asking the government to take action or to address a grievance. It protects your right to submit requests, complaints, or formal petitions to government officials or agencies—like writing to a representative, filing a petition to change a law, or submitting a formal complaint about a government decision. The emphasis is on seeking redress or action from the government, not on voting, paying taxes, or running for office, which are different civic activities.