1. Chapter 4 The Bill of Rights
Section 1
The First Amendment

2. Freedoms
The bill of rights places strict limits on how the national government can use its power over the people
The Bill of rights we designed to protect our civil liberties
Civil liberties are the freedoms we have to think and act without government interference or fear of unfair treatment.

3. 1st 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

4. The First Amendment Protects our five basic freedoms
Freedom of religion
Freedom of speech
Freedom of press
Freedom of assembly
Freedom of petition

5. Freedom of Religion
Prohibits congress from establishing an official religion
Protects the freedom of Americans to practice their faith as the wish
Protects peoples right not to worship

6. Freedom of Speech
Guarantees that we can say what is on our minds, in public or in private, without fear of punishment by the government
Includes, face to face discussions, telephone conversations, lectures, radio, and TV broadcast. Also includes other forms of expression (internet, art, clothing, and music)

7. Freedom of the Press
Freedom of the press ensures that the American people are exposed to a wide variety of viewpoints.
Includes books, newspapers, magazines, radio , television, and internet
Insure that the government cannot practice censorship
Censorship is ban materials merely because of the ideas they contain.

8. Freedom of Assembly
Protect our right to gather in groups for any reason, as long as the assemblies are peaceful
We have the right to attend meetings, parades, political rallies, and public celebrations.
Government may make rules about when and where such activities can be held, but they cannot ban them

9. Freedom to Petition
Guarantees all American the right to petition the government
A petition is a formal request often refers to a specific kind of document.
The right to petition means the right to express one’s ideas to the government

10. Limits to First Amendment Freedoms
The safety and security of Americans may justify limitations to our first amendment freedoms
The right to free speech for example does not include the right to endanger our government or other Americans.
Citizens should use their civil liberties responsibly, and not interfere with the rights of other.
Your rights end where someone else's rights begin

11. Limits to First Amendment Freedoms
The first amendment was never intended to allow Americans to do what ever they please. Unlimited freedom is not possible in a society of many people
Slander, Spreading lies that harm a person’s reputation (must be spoken to be slander)
Libel – Spreading lies that harm a person’s reputation (must be written)