Amendment One“It is what we are all about”

“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 to peaceably assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances”

Freedom of Religion Establishment clause- the government

cannot establish a national religion we all must follow.

Free exercise clause- We have the right to worship freely the religion of our choice.

Separation of Church and State- (Jefferson) means the government and religion must remain separate. However, there are exceptions: Prayers, Money, Chaplains in military, tax exempt status

Freedom of Religion

Freedom of Speech

“… where everyone has a voice, even if you don’t like what they have to say.”

The Tea Party Movement

Freedom of Speech

This right is at the heart of our democracy. It includes the ability to speak critically of the government or those in power.

It does not include speech that creates a danger or is false.

Slander-spoken lies Libel- printed lies

Freedom of Speech

Symbolic Speech is communicating ideas through action or dress.

This include wearing arm bands, picketing with signs, and even flag burning.

Freedom of Speech- limits

Seditious speech- speech advocating the overthrow of the American government. (illegal)

“Clear and present danger”- rule states that speech that creates such a danger is not protected.

Freedom of the Press

Allows the press to report on anyone and anything (including the government) and is a key to our democracy.

Prior restraint is censorship, the government controlling what is printed or reported in the press and is illegal. Unless it deals with national security or wartime issues.

Freedom of the Press

Right to Assemble

The right to gather together in groups or join clubs and organizations.

The right to peaceably demonstrate or protest is also included.

Right to petition the Government The right to petition the government to

change or correct a problem.

Review Questions

Name the 5 rights found in the first amendment.

What is the “clear and present danger” rule?

What is prior restraint? Why is a free press important in a

democracy? What is an example of symbolic speech?