Objective 2.12 First Amendment KQ- What freedoms are protected by the first Amendment?

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 the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.

The First Amendment Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise1 thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech2, or the press3; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble4, and to petition the Government5 for a redress of grievances.

Freedoms of the First Amendment freedom of religion freedom of speech freedom of press freedom to peacefully assemble freedom to petition the government

Freedoms of the First Amendment

However…Unlimited freedom is not possible in a society of many people However…Unlimited freedom is not possible in a society of many people. There are limits to all individual rights, including the first amendment

limits to the rights of the first amendment

Freedom of Religion Americans are guaranteed the right to practice religion as they wish.

Freedom of Religion Congress is prohibited from establishing an official religion

Limits to freedom of religion Can not do things that break the law. Freedom of religion does not permit practices such as human sacrifices.

Freedom of Speech “Freedom of Expression” The right to say what is on your mind without fear of punishment. (in public or in private)

Other types of Free Speech Supreme Court interprets free speech as Any type of personal expression art, music, or even styles of clothing.

Limits of Free Speech: “clear and present danger” rule Speech could cause physical harm other people is not permitted. Yelling “BOMB!” in an airport when there is no real danger

Limits of Free Speech: Libel & Slander Telling a lie to harm a person’s reputation is illegal

Freedom of the Press Refers to printed work such as books, newspapers, and magazines.

Freedom of the Press It also refers information from radio, television, and computer networks.

Freedom of the Press Protects our right to publish information, including critiques of the gov’t allows us to read the ideas of other people

Protects against “censorship” The United States government cannot ban printed materials, even if it contains ideas most find alarming or offensive.

Limits “libel” Printing lies about others. Not permitted to publish information that will harm other people’s reputations

Freedom of Assembly The right to meet in groups cannot be limited Examples: attend meetings, parades, political rallies, and public celebrations.

Freedom of Assembly Gov’t cannot limit any groups ability to meet, (even controversial groups) Governments must protect the people who are assembled.

Limits on Free Assembly Governments can make rules about when and where such activities can be held.

Limits Does not permit groups to be disruptive or disorderly Can not assemble for illegal purposes all rules/laws must be followed by protestors.

Right to Petition The right to express your complaints ideas to the government.

Right to Petition Petition= Written protest about a public issue -Allows citizens to voice concerns about public issues -Citizens can circulate and sign petitions. -Citizens sign petitions to show support for the issue

Limit to Petition The government does not have to do what we ask.