What is The Bill of Rights? The government gives its citizens rights or guarantees that must be protected under law! The government gives its citizens rights or guarantees that must be protected under law! The Bill of Rights: The first 10 amendments of the constitution that guarantee certain basic rights to all Americans. The Bill of Rights: The first 10 amendments of the constitution that guarantee certain basic rights to all Americans.

The First Amendment Five basic freedoms/rights are guaranteed in the first amendment! Five basic freedoms/rights are guaranteed in the first amendment! 1. Freedom of Religion! 2. Freedom of Assembly! 3. Freedom of Press! 4. Freedom of Petition! 5. Freedom of Speech!

The Freedom of Religion Prohibits Congress from establishing an official religion in the US. Prohibits Congress from establishing an official religion in the US. Protects the freedom of Americans to practice any faith they wish. Protects the freedom of Americans to practice any faith they wish. The government may NOT favor any one religion over another. The government may NOT favor any one religion over another.

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. Guarantees that we can say what is on our minds, in public or in private, without fear of punishment by the government. “freedom of expression” this includes spoken words, internet communication, art, music and even clothing. “freedom of expression” this includes spoken words, internet communication, art, music and even clothing.

Freedom of the Press Allows Americans to express themselves in print as well as speech. Allows Americans to express themselves in print as well as speech. Refers to media: such as books, newspapers, magazines, radio, television, and computer networks. Refers to media: such as books, newspapers, magazines, radio, television, and computer networks. The government cannot practice “censorship” (cannot ban printed materials or films because they contain alarming or offensive ideas.) The government cannot practice “censorship” (cannot ban printed materials or films because they contain alarming or offensive ideas.)

Freedom of Assembly Americans have the right to gather (attend) in groups for any reason, as long as the assemblies are peaceful. Americans have the right to gather (attend) in groups for any reason, as long as the assemblies are peaceful. We have the right to attend: We have the right to attend: –Meetings, political rallies –Parades, public celebrations We have the right to form and join social clubs, political parties, labor unions and other organizations. We have the right to form and join social clubs, political parties, labor unions and other organizations.

Freedom of Petition Americans have the right to petition the government! Americans have the right to petition the government! Petition: a formal request i.e. a written statement signed by hundreds or thousands of people. Petition: a formal request i.e. a written statement signed by hundreds or thousands of people. Americans have the freedom to express ideas to the government! Americans have the freedom to express ideas to the government!

Limits of the First Amendment Limitations are decided by the Supreme Court for the safety and security of Americans. Limitations are decided by the Supreme Court for the safety and security of Americans. –You cannot endanger other Americans by provoking riots, crimes, or other violent behavior. –Cannot interfere with the rights of others! –You may not spread lies: Slander: lies spoken Libel: lies printed