1st Amendment
By: Courtney Beaver
An overview:
The First Amendment of the United States Constitution protects the right to freedom of religion and freedom of expression from government interference. See U.S. Const. amend. I. Freedom of expression consists of the rights to freedom of speech, press, assembly and to petition the government for a redress of grievances, and the implied rights of association and belief. The Supreme Court interprets the extent of the protection afforded to these rights. The First Amendment has been interpreted by the Court as applying to the entire federal government even though it is only expressly applicable to Congress. Furthermore, the Court has interpreted, the due process clause of the Fourteenth Amendment as protecting the rights in the First Amendment from interference by state governments. See U.S. Const. amend. XIV.
Two Clauses
Religion and Expression The First Amendment's free exercise clause allows a person to hold whatever religious beliefs he or she wants, and to exercise that belief by attending religious services, praying in public or in private, proselytizing or wearing religious clothing, such as yarmulkes or headscarves. Also included in the free exercise clause is the right not to believe in any religion, and the right not to participate in religious activities. | Freedom of Speech In the United States is protected by the First Amendment to the United States Constitution and by many state constitutions and state and federal laws. | Freedom of Assembly and Petition 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. |
Religion and Expression
Freedom of Speech
Freedom of Assembly and Petition
More about 1st Amendment
What is the complete text of the Equal Rights Amendment?
-Equality of rights under the law shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any state on account of sex.
-The Congress shall have the power to enforce, by appropriate legislation, the provisions of this article.
-This amendment shall take effect two years after the date of ratification.