 The law basis for the United States Government and its citizens  Adopted on September in Philadelphia, PA  James Madison (right) was the primary author of the Constitution  The first Ten Amendments to the Constitution called the Bill of Rights

 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.  What does this mean?

1. Freedom of Religion  Ability to worship one’s religion freely and without persecution  Can even establish new religions 2. Freedom of Speech  Ability to voice one’s beliefs within reasonable boundaries without persecution  Does not mean you can say ANYTHING though  Can’t yell FIRE if one is not in danger

3. FREEDOM OF THE PRESS  Allows one to publish nearly everything provided that it is fact-based and within reasonable boundaries  Many newspapers take advantage of this and try to report the truth to its readers  The Constitution prohibits Congress from making laws that take away these three rights from Americans

 How does Cara use ‘freedom of the press’ to her advantage in her publications in The Landry News?  Talk to your neighbor for two minutes and have an answer ready when I turn off the lights.