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

2. 1. Freedom of Religion Establishment Clause – Free Exercise 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. 2. 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. 3.Freedom of Press Protects our rights to publish information freely
Libel - No one is allowed to publish false info that will harm others’ reputation.
Can’t endanger the government

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

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

7. When is the First Amendment restricted?
Slander & Libel
In a forum owned by someone else.
Clear and present danger to the public or hate speech.

8. When is the First Amendment restricted?
Fighting words: inciting violence
Endangering the nation
Obscene material
Ban/Censorship?
What are some examples where this might happen.

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