the first amendment

 As an American citizen, how well do you know your First Amendment Rights? Can you name all five freedoms guaranteed by the First Amendment of the US Constitution? If you’re struggling you’re not alone. I survey taken by the Freedom Forum Institute reveals that only one percent of those surveyed could name all five freedoms. Still struggling? Continue reading and we’ll clear it up for you. 

US Bill of Rights: Amendment I

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.

Freedom of Religion, Freedom of Speech, Freedom of the Press, Freedom to Peaceably Assembly and the Freedom to Petition the Government are your freedoms as a US citizen and are protected by the First Amendment to the US Constitution. The First Amendment was adopted into the Bill of Rights on December 15th 1791.  The Five Freedoms were written as a guarantee that the government be held accountable to the people and are critical to maintain and monitor democracy in the United States.

FREEDOM OF RELIGION

Freedom of Religion allows you to freely worship or to not worship at all. The Government cannot deprive you of your right to worship. As long as you’re not violating basic constitutional principles or endangering others, then you are following this basic Constitutional right of Freedom of Religion, guaranteed by the First Amendment.

FREEDOM OF SPEECH

Freedom of speech allows individuals to express themselves both verbally (words) and symbolically (actions) without government interference or regulation. These include all forms of speech, even those that can be objectionable to groups or individuals; but the government may prohibit some speech that could cause a breach of the peace or cause violence.

FREEDOM OF THE PRESS

Freedom of the Press protects the right to report news and/or disseminate opinions without censorship from any form of government or law. This includes broadcast news programs, social media, newspapers and magazines. This freedom is not that different than freedom of speech. This freedom does not give members of the press any special rights or privileges not already given to citizens in general.

FREEDOM TO ASSEMBLE

Freedom to Assemble protects the right to peacefully gather with a goal of advocating for or achieving change. This freedom does not give citizens the right to cause danger, violence, or to threaten the public safety. In turn, the government has the authority to restrict certain aspects of assembly, such as the time, the place and the manner of assembly.

FREEDOM TO PETITION

Freedom to Petition the government is the right to encourage or discourage government action through nonviolent, legal means. This freedom is exercised by gathering signatures, writing letters, filing lawsuits, lobbying, and peacefully assembling. This right typically works in conjunction with the Freedom to Assemble to seek government change or raise awareness.

The Big Five First Amendment rights are: Freedom of religion, freedom of speech, freedom of the press, freedom to peacefully assemble and the freedom to petition the government. As a US citizen, the First Amendment was created to protect your individual rights. Know it, remember it, share it and when the time comes exercise it.