Chapter 4 The Bill of Rights Section 1 The First Amendment

Freedoms The bill of rights places strict limits on how the national government can use its power over the people The Bill of rights we designed to protect our civil liberties Civil liberties are the freedoms we have to think and act without government interference or fear of unfair treatment.

1st Amendment "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

The First Amendment Protects our five basic freedoms Freedom of religion Freedom of speech Freedom of press Freedom of assembly Freedom of petition

Freedom of Religion Prohibits congress from establishing an official religion Protects the freedom of Americans to practice their faith as the wish Protects peoples right not to worship

Freedom of Speech Guarantees that we can say what is on our minds, in public or in private, without fear of punishment by the government Includes, face to face discussions, telephone conversations, lectures, radio, and TV broadcast. Also includes other forms of expression (internet, art, clothing, and music)

Freedom of the Press Freedom of the press ensures that the American people are exposed to a wide variety of viewpoints. Includes books, newspapers, magazines, radio , television, and internet Insure that the government cannot practice censorship Censorship is ban materials merely because of the ideas they contain.

Freedom of Assembly Protect our right to gather in groups for any reason, as long as the assemblies are peaceful We have the right to attend meetings, parades, political rallies, and public celebrations. Government may make rules about when and where such activities can be held, but they cannot ban them

Freedom to Petition Guarantees all American the right to petition the government A petition is a formal request often refers to a specific kind of document. The right to petition means the right to express one’s ideas to the government

Limits to First Amendment Freedoms The safety and security of Americans may justify limitations to our first amendment freedoms The right to free speech for example does not include the right to endanger our government or other Americans. Citizens should use their civil liberties responsibly, and not interfere with the rights of other. Your rights end where someone else's rights begin

Limits to First Amendment Freedoms The first amendment was never intended to allow Americans to do what ever they please. Unlimited freedom is not possible in a society of many people Slander, Spreading lies that harm a person’s reputation (must be spoken to be slander) Libel – Spreading lies that harm a person’s reputation (must be written)