Objective 1:07 Evaluate the extent to which the Bill of Rights extended the Constitution The Bill of Rights protects our civil liberties. Freedoms people have to think and act without government interference.

FIRST AMENDMENT PROTECTS FIVE FREEDOMS: PROTECTS FIVE FREEDOMS: Freedom of religion Freedom of religion Freedom of speech Freedom of speech Freedom of the press Freedom of the press Freedom of assembly Freedom of assembly Freedom to petition the government Freedom to petition the government

FREEDOM OF RELIGION  First Amendment protects religious freedom two ways 1.Prohibits Congress from establishing an official religion in the US. This is known as the establishment clause. The wall of separation between church and state. This makes the US different from countries where a state religion is the center of government. Or where countries discourage the practice of religion. Can you give examples of each? 2. First Amendment guarantees Americans the right to practice their faith as they wish without reprisal.

Freedom of Speech  People in the US can speak what is on their minds in public or private without fear of reprisal by the government.  That includes face to face discussions, telephone conversations, lectures, radio and TV broadcasts as well as other forms of expression.  Includes new “speech” i.e. internet, art, music, and even clothing.

FREEDOM OF THE PRESS People are allowed to express themselves in the printed word as well as speech. All forms of media- books, newspapers, magazines, computer networks. Ensures a wide variety of viewpoints. The government cannot practice censorship (banning of alarming or offensive ideas)

WHAT WAS THE ZENGER CASE? First test case for freedom of the press. It happened in 1733 long before the Constitution. John Zenger was arrested for criticizing the Governor of New York and acquitted. Regarded as a landmark in the development of the free press in America

FREEDOM OF ASSEMBLY First Amendment protects one’s right to gather in groups for any reason as long as they are peaceful. We have the right to attend meetings, parades, political rallies, and public celebrations. Government can regulate or make rules when and where but they cannot ban them. The Supreme Court has implied that assembly also means association. People may join social clubs, political parties, labor unions and other organizations.

FREEDOM OF PETITION  First Amendment guarantees all Americans the right to petition.  A petition is a formal request.  The right to petition allows people to complain and express ideas to the government.  People can write and visit their representatives and encourage action.

FIRST AMENDMENT LIMITS  WHAT IS SLANDER?  WHAT IS LIBEL  What is the Patriot Act?