Card 29: The First Amendment

OUR BILL OF RIGHTS
The First Amendment

“Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.”

•  Freedom of the press: Journalists and media outlets have the right to investigate and report on government actions without facing censorship or punishment.
• Freedom to assemble: All people in this country have the right to peacefully assemble, whether to celebrate, protest, or demand change. 
• Freedom to petition: Every one of us has the right to contact our government officials to express our opinions and demand that they find solutions to problems that affect us and others.

These simple yet powerful ideas serve as a safeguard against a government dictating what we must believe or can say, and ensure we have the right to hold our government accountable. 

In just 45 words written nearly 240 years ago, the First Amendment to our Constitution guarantees five key freedoms to every person in this country.

Freedom of speech: The government can’t stop you from expressing your opinions, even if you disagree with officials or policies. This right is protected as long as what you say isn’t hate speech or a threat to others.

Freedom of religion: Faith is a matter of conscience. The government cannot compel you to join any specific religion or prevent you from practicing your beliefs.