The First Amendment 8.28 Describe the significance of the Magna Carta, the English Bill of Rights, and the Mayflower Compact in relation to the development of government in America. (C, H, P) 8.33 Describe the principles embedded in the Constitution, including the purposes of government listed in the Preamble, separation of powers, check and balances, the amendment process, federalism, and recognition of and protections of individual rights in the Bill of Rights. (P)

The First Amendment Colonial experience influenced the first Amendment Congress shall make no laws respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof: or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; of the right of the people peaceably to assemble for a redress of grievances.

Freedom of Religion Pilgrims, Puritans, Quakers, Catholics, Jews etc. came to practice their faith freely. Many were excommunicated by Massachusetts Bay (Thomas Hooker, Anne Hutchinson, Roger Williams) Inspired by the Virginia Statue of Religious Freedom (written by Thomas Jefferson) Congress cannot establish an official, state- supported church or make any laws that interfere with freedom of worship.

Freedom of Speech and Freedom of the Press Dictators know that their power depends on silencing dissents (newspapers, jail people) The First Amendment protects the right of Americans to speak without fear. The First Amendment protects the press from government censorship (journalist cannot be arrested for criticizing the government or officials). JOHN PETER ZENGER A free flow of ideas is vital to a democratic government The press has the responsibility to present the news fairly and accurately. They can be sued for libel.

Peaceful Assembly and Petition King and Parliament ignored the colonists’ petition. The first Amendment thus guaranteed the right of Americans to assemble in peaceful protest It also protects the right to petition the government for a change in policy