First Amendment

First Amendment refers to the first amendment of the United States Constitution, which guarantees freedoms concerning religion, expression, assembly, and the right to petition. It forbids Congress from both promoting one religion over others and also restricting an individual’s religious practices. It guarantees freedom of expression by prohibiting Congress from restricting the press or the rights of individuals to speak freely. It also guarantees the right of citizens to assemble peaceably and to petition their government.

Overview

The First Amendment was adopted on December 15, 1791, as one of the ten amendments that constitute the Bill of Rights. The Bill of Rights was originally proposed to assuage Anti-Federalist opposition to Constitutional ratification. Initially, the First Amendment applied only to laws enacted by the Congress, and many of its provisions were interpreted more narrowly than they are today.

Freedom of Religion

The First Amendment prohibits the Congress from making a law “respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof”. This provision was later expanded to state and local governments, through the Incorporation of the Bill of Rights.

Freedom of Speech and of the Press

The First Amendment protects the freedom of speech and of the press. This includes not only the content of the press's publications but also the right of the press to distribute its publications. The Supreme Court has interpreted this right to extend to the entire spectrum of speech, including the Internet and other forms of electronic communication.

Freedom of Assembly and Petition

The First Amendment also protects the freedom of assembly, which can be interpreted to mean both physical gatherings and virtual gatherings via the internet. It also protects the right to petition the government for a redress of grievances.

See Also

• United States Constitution
• Bill of Rights
• Freedom of Speech
• Freedom of the Press
• Freedom of Religion
• Freedom of Assembly

First Amendment Resources
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