1. The Constitution Unit 2 Lesson 4
The First Amendment
The Constitution Unit 2
Lesson 4

2. The First Amendment
The First Amendment is the most well known amendment, but it is often misunderstood
5 basic freedoms: freedom of religion, freedom of speech, freedom of press, freedom of assembly, freedom to petition the government
James Madison, “father of the Constitution”

3. Freedom of Religion
Many of the early colonists had come to America in search of religious freedom
Establishment clause: US govt. can not establish an official religion
Free exercise: Americans can practice their faith as they wish, limits?

4. Freedom of Speech
In the US we speak our minds without fear of punishment by the government
Speech includes the spoken word, Internet communication, art, music, and even clothing
Limits? “clear and present danger”
Slander

5. Freedom of the Press
Americans are allowed to express themselves in print and through the media
Media include newspapers, magazines, books, television, radio, movies, blogs
Freedom of the press guarantees that people are given the opportunity to express a variety of viewpoints
Government can not practice censorship
Libel

6. Freedom of Assembly and Petition
Americans have the right to gather in groups for any peaceful reasons
This includes meetings, parades, political rallies, and public celebrations
Govt. may make rules about when and where activities can be help
Freedom of Petition gives Americans the right to express one’s ideas to the government
People can write or call govt. officials