The First Amendment ESSENTIAL QUESTION How do societies balance individual and community rights?

Important! – Bill of Rights Bill of Rights = 1st 10 Amendments of the Constitution. Amendment – Change or addition to the Constitution.

Guaranteeing Civil Liberties Guiding Question - Which individual rights are protected by the First Amendment? Civil Liberties - freedoms to think and act without government interference or fear of unfair legal treatment -guaranteed as part of citizenship Bill of rights lists most of our Civil Liberties. 1st Amendment: The First Amendment protects five basic freedoms. freedom of religion freedom of speech freedom of the press freedom of assembly freedom to petition the government.

Freedom of Religion The First Amendment protects freedom of religion in two ways. 1st - it says that Congress cannot establish, or set up, any religion as the official faith of the United States. 2nd - the First Amendment protects freedom of religion is in how people express their faith. Americans have the right to practice their faith in the way that they want. government cannot make laws that would stop them from worshipping as they choose. People in some nations do not have these rights.

Freedom of Speech In some countries, people can be jailed for criticizing the government. They worry even when speaking in private that their words can be used against them. In the United States, the First Amendment guarantees our right of free speech.  We can state our opinions, in public or in private, without fear of being punished by the government. Free speech covers what we say in meetings, conversations, speeches, and lectures. It includes words spoken in radio and television broadcasts as well. “speech” can mean more than just using words. Internet messages, art, music, and even clothing are protected.

Freedom of the Press Because we have freedom of the press, the government cannot censor news reports.  Censorship means banning printed materials or films because they have alarming or offensive ideas. Government cannot prevent information from being published or broadcast. Reporters in many other countries are not protected in these ways. T heir stories are reviewed by government officials, who take out parts they do not approve of. Reporters also run the risk of being arrested if they publish stories their leaders do not like. When the Bill of Rights was written, “the press” referred to printed materials such as books, newspapers, and magazines. Today the press includes many other media sources, such as radio, television, and the Internet. Because of freedom of the press, Americans have a chance to hear a range of views on public issues.

Freedom of Assembly The First Amendment protects our right to gather in groups for any reason, as long as the groups are peaceful. We can attend meetings, rallies, celebrations, and parades. The government has the power to make rules about when and where these activities are held. It cannot ban them, though. This right includes the freedom of association. That is, the First Amendment protects our right to form and join clubs, political parties, labor unions, and other groups.

Freedom to Petition The First Amendment gives us the right to send petitions to the government. A petition is a formal request for the government to act. Often the word is used to mean a written statement that hundreds or thousands of people sign. Even a simple letter or e-mail from one person is a petition, though. Petition gives us the right to express ourselves to the government.

Limits on Civil Liberty The First Amendment gives very broad rights to all Americans. HOWEVER - was never intended to allow citizens to do whatever they please. There must be a balance of rights between individuals and what is best for the community. Citizens are expected to use their civil liberties responsibly. While exercising their individual rights, they should not interfere with the rights of others. Example 1, you are free to campaign for causes, but you may not disturb your neighbors with blaring loudspeaker broadcasts. Example 2 - If an organization wants to stage a parade, the government can determine when and where the parade can be held.

Some restrictions, or limits, can even be placed on free speech rights. You have the right to criticize public officials, but you do not have the right to spread lies that will harm a person’s reputation. Slander - Spreading such lies in speech is a crime Libel - the crime of when the lies are printed. people do not have the right to make a speech that will lead to efforts to overthrow the government by force.