The First Amendment

Actual Text

• 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.

Citizens’ Right Guaranteed

• Freedom of Religion• Freedom of Speech• Freedom of the Press• Freedom of Assembly• Right to Petition

What Does it Mean?

Freedom of Religion

• Citizens have the freedom to attend a church, mosque, synagogue, temple or other house of worship of their choice. They can also choose to not be involved in any religion.

Freedom of Speech

• American people have the right to share their opinions with other people or criticize the government. Citizens do not have the right to make false statements or injure people with their words.

Freedom of the Press

• Citizens have the right to get information from many different sources. The government does not have the power to control what is broadcasted on radio or TV, what is printed in books or newspapers, or what is offered online. Americans can request time on TV to respond to any views that they disagree with. They can also write letters to newspapers, pass out leaflets that state their opinions and post opinions on their own web pages.

Freedom of Assembly

• American citizens have the right to come together in private and public gatherings. Citizens can join groups for religious, social, recreational, or political reasons.

Right to Petition

• Americans can ask for adjustments or changes in the government. Citizens can do this by collecting signatures for petitions and sending them to elected representatives. They can also call, email, or write to their elected representatives.

Can you name the 5 rights guaranteed by the First Amendment?

• Freedom of Religion• Freedom of Speech• Freedom of the Press• Freedom of Assembly• Right to Petition

•Which right do you think is most important? Why?