Why do we study American citizenship… Civic Engagement Continued

Historical Background “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.” - Simply, the first amendment forbids Congress from passing laws that deprive people of the right to political expression, or the right to communicate with or about government.

First Amendment The rights of citizens to engage in the political process are found in the First Amendment of the United States Constitution ratified in 1791

First Amendment For the purposes of civic engagement, the first amendment forbids Congress from passing laws that deprive people of the right to political expression, or the right to communicate with or about government. These rights extend to citizens and non-citizens alike.

Rights of the First Amendment Freedom of Speech Freedom of the Press Peaceful Assembly Petition the government for redress grievances. Redress means to remedy or make right.

Freedom of Speech How that right is expressed: People shall be free to make statements about the government without censorship or limitation, even if these statements criticize the government. Freedom of speech has extended to “symbolic speech” such as clothing worn in protest and political contributions. Freedom of speech is not absolute. The United States Supreme Court has restricted speech when the Court determines the presence of a “clear and present danger”. The definition of “clear and present danger” has changed under various case circumstances. “Hate speech” is one form of limited speech.

Freedom of the Press How that right is expressed The right of the media to print, receive or disseminate information is protected by this provision of the first amendment. Freedom of the press has been limited in four ways: prior restraint, information access, liability for publishing, and requiring reporters to disclose sources.

Freedom of Assembly The right of individuals to come together with others and collectively express, promote, pursue and defend common interests. This includes the right to assemble in public places, and the right to join an association. Peaceful assembly is also understood as freedom of association. The U.S Supreme Court has upheld laws requiring general permits, as well as prosecutions for illegal demonstrations under certain circumstances.   The right of individuals to express themselves must be balanced against the need to maintain public order.

Petition the government for redress grievances. People are protected when they bring to the government’s attention their unresolved concerns, provide information to political leaders about unpopular policies and issues, and expose government misconduct. The U.S. Supreme Court has ruled that regulation of assembly may not be used to stifle dissent; unpopular groups may not be prevented from gathering based on the nature of the group’s message.