List the freedoms listed in the 1st Amendment Rank them 1-5 on how important they are to you.

First Amendment Freedoms (3b)

History First proposed by James Madison in 1789 Are the first 10 Amendments to the United States Constitution

History Largely influenced by the Virginia Declaration of Rights, written by George Mason

History Was a response to the opponents of the new U.S. Constitution People were known as Anti-Federalists. They wanted the Constitution to protect the basic principles of human liberty Thomas Jefferson Leader of Anti-Federalists

Purpose of the Bill of Rights To protect the rights of all citizens To limit the power of the federal government Are a fundamental symbol of the freedoms and culture of the United States Purpose stated in the Preamble

1st Amendment Includes the 5 basic freedoms of all Americans: ----Freedom of Speech ----Freedom of Religion ----Freedom of the Press ----Freedom of Assembly ----Freedom of Petition

Limits! None of these rights are absolute They all have limits

Freedom of Religion Many English colonies were founded by people being persecuted for their religious beliefs—Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, Pennsylvania and Maryland

I. Freedom of Religion “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion or prohibiting the free exercise thereof…” A. Establishment – government cannot “make” or require a religion. (push/support/favor) B. Free exercise – government cannot get in the way of your religion

What are some examples of people exercising their freedom of religion?

Issues with Freedom of Religion Should schools be allowed to require immunizations if a child’s religion says they cannot have them? Should schools allow after-school religious groups to meet at school? Should a child be disciplined for wearing religious clothing if it violates the dress code? Should the government give tax-breaks for donations to religious groups?

II. Freedom of Speech “abridging the freedom of speech. . .” Speech - People are free to express their opinions and beliefs Symbolic speech is protected

What do you think are some examples of free speech?

What do you think are reasonable limits to free speech?

Symbolic Speech is protected Examples: arm bands, buttons, actions

C. Limits 1. Profanity/obscene language 2. Slander –lies to hurt 3. Endangerment (yelling “fire” in a crowd) Graffiti National security

Famous Rulings “Tinker” – students wore armbands to protest war Flag burning – to protest government Warning labels on music/video

III. Freedom of Press “or of the Press” A. The Press (newspapers, T.V., and other news media) has the right to gather and publish information, including that which criticizes government

B. Limits Liable – knowing telling lies Profanity/obscenity National security

What are some examples of freedom of the press?

IV. Freedom of Assembly “Or the right of the people peaceable to assemble” A. Individuals may peacefully gather 1. Meetings 2. Join groups B. Limits – You need to follow other laws

What are some examples of freedom of assembly?

V. Freedom to Petition A. May contact government representatives to seek to correct an injustice. 1. Write a letter to Congress or the President 2. Stage a sit-in at a public library 3. Ask the Supreme Court to hear a case 4. May protest

What do you think are reasonable limits to freedom to petition?

General Limits Your first amendment rights extend until they interfere with other peoples rights.

Task With your group make a poster that explains part of the First Amendment include: 1. The wording from the Amendment 2. Explanation of meaning 3. Vocabulary 4. Examples 5. Limits 6. How life would be like without it Be ready to share and explain your poster

Other Important Amendments

VI. The Fifth Amendment . . .(no person will be) deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law. . .” The government (national/federal) government cannot take away your rights unfairly – must go through legal steps (due process) Protects people from unfair actions by the national government

The Fourteenth Amendment The Fourteenth Amendment (Section 1) All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the State wherein they reside. No State shall make or enforce any law which shall abridge the privileges or immunities of citizens of the United States nor shall any State deprive any person of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws.

VII. The Fourteenth Amendment Added after civil war to protect the rights of former slaves, but applies to all people Defines citizenship to include the United States and your state Extends “due process” to the states – Protects people from unfair actions of the states Equal protection –laws must be fair to everyone (protect us all equally)