We will be discussing the First Amendment today. What do you already know about the First Amendment to our Constitution?

The First Amendment

Civil Liberties The Bill of Rights, added in 1791 at the

insistence of the Anti-Federalists, protects our civil liberties—the freedoms we have to think and act without government interference or fear of unfair treatment.

The First Amendment The First Amendment protects five basic

freedoms:

Religion AssemblyPressPetition the GovernmentSpeech

Freedom of Religion Establishment Clause:

Congress may not establish an official religion or favor one religion over another

Free Exercise Clause:

Government can not prevent you from practicing a religion.

Freedom of Assembly We may gather in groups for any reason,

as long as the assemblies are peaceful. Governments can make rules about when

and where activities can be held but cannot ban them.

We may freely join clubs, political parties, unions, and other organizations.

Freedom of the Press We may express ourselves freely in

print and other media. The government cannot practice

censorship—it cannot ban printed materials or films because they contain offensive ideas. Can not ban information before it is published or broadcast- prior restraint.

Freedom to Petition the Government A petition is an formal request for action.

We can complain or express ideas by writing to our elected representatives or

by signing petitions.

Freedom of Speech We can say what we

want, in public or in private, without fear of punishment.

Freedom of speech includes conversations, radio, and TV.

It also protects forms of expression other than the spoken word, such as clothing.

Limits to First Amendment Freedoms

Limits to First Amendment Limited to protect safety and security Can not provoke a riot. Can not speak or write in a way that leads

to criminal activities or efforts to overthrow the government.

Can not interfere with the rights of others.

Slander and Libel You should use civil liberties responsibly

and not interfere with the rights of others. You may criticize government officials but

not spread lies that harm a person’s reputation. Doing so is a crime called slander if the lies are spoken and libel if they are printed.

Freedom of Speech Unpopular speech and hate speech is

protected as long as another person’s rights are not violated.

Ex. KKK has right to march, but can not burn property or harass people.

Vulgar, obscene speech is protected in most venues (but not at school!!!!)

I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it. “

- Voltaire