What does the First Amendment restrict Congress from doing?

The First Amendment of the United States Constitution specifically restricts Congress from interfering with the right to free expression, which encompasses freedoms such as speech, press, assembly, and religion. This amendment is crucial because it lays the foundation for a democratic society, allowing individuals to express their ideas and beliefs without fear of government censorship or retribution. The protection of free expression is considered essential for the functioning of a healthy democracy, enabling public discourse, dissent, and the exchange of diverse viewpoints.

The other options listed do not relate directly to the scope of the First Amendment. For example, establishing a national bank or regulating interstate commerce pertains to the powers granted to Congress under different sections of the Constitution, which do not involve the restriction of individual rights concerning free expression. Similarly, the ability to tax citizens' incomes falls under Congress's power outlined in Article I, which does not intersect with the protections provided by the First Amendment. Therefore, the correct answer highlights the specific focus of the First Amendment on safeguarding freedom of expression.