Freedoms of Expression

What is an Amendment?  Amend: to change  Bill of Rights: first ten amendments to the Constitution  The Anti-Federalists wanted them to protect the rights of citizens

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.  Speech  Press  Assembly  Petition  Religion What do these mean?

Freedom of Expression Why?  1. So we can have democracy  2. We can grow as individuals  3. We can expand knowledge  4. We can bring about change peacefully. What if we couldn’t voice our opinions? How would government really represent us? What if Columbus couldn’t test if the earth was round? If we can’t ask for change from our government we’d have endless wars!

Limits  Time  Place  Manner  Example:  Can you yell fire in a crowded theater?  Does it cause disruption?

Activity:  Carousel  1. Start at the first poster  2. Debate with your group f the action is ok in school  3. Go around to each poster  4. Put a check next to statements you agree to or add comments  5. We will go around on last time

Freedom of Speech  Voice your opinion  Limits:  Can’t spread rumors about someone to ruin their reputation (slander)  Can’t threaten the President  Can’t yell fire in a theater

Freedom of Press  Writing in newspaper, media  Limits:  Slander  Government secrets

Freedom of Petition  Can ask the government to create a law or change a law  Limits:  Must go through the process to become a law or be changed

Freedom of Assembly  Can belong to a group  Can protest or gather  Limits:  Can not gather on private property  Can not cause violence  May need permission to gather  Can not disrupt the day