1. 1 st Amendment Freedom of Religion, Speech, Press, Assembly, and Petition

2. Freedom of Religion Establishment Clause – Prohibits Congress from establishing an official religion in the U.S.  “Separation of church and state” Free Exercise Clause – Guarantees Americans the right to practice religion as they wish Freedom of religious worship

3. Freedom of Speech Guarantees Americans the right to say what is on their minds, in public or in private, without fear of punishment Does not permit speech that harms other people Slander – intentionally and falsely smearing someone’s reputation in speech Does not include the right to endanger the government Treason Also called “freedom of expression”

4. Freedom of Press Protects our rights to publish information freely Libel - No one is allowed to publish info that will harm others’ reputation Can’t endanger the government Americans have the right to read what other people have published Ban/ Censorship?

5. Freedom of Assembly Protects the right to assemble peacefully Protects the right to form and join organizations

6. Right to Petition Guarantees the right to petition the government Petition – formal request We have the right to express our ideas to the government.

7. Freedoms do not allow us to do things that break the law!

8. Journal Give examples from your own lives of how you are able to exercise the five 1 st Amendment freedoms.