Amendments of the Constitution
By: Brooke Luckman
Amendment I: Individual Rights
Language of the Amendment
"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."
My Explanation of the 1st Amendment
The first amendment protects people's individual rights. It protects the right to choose any religion that you would like to practice or none at all. It protects the right to say or write whatever you want, except if it is libel or slander. It also protects the right to hold demonstations or meetings, but since recently you need a permit to do this.
Why Amendment I was Made
Amendment I was to made protect individual rights. Freedom of speech was expressed in Amendment I because when America was occupied by the British, people could not speak against the King or they would be punished. Freedom of Religion was expressed in Amendment I because in England you had to be part of the King's religion, the Church of England. Freedom of the press was expressed because in England you could not write or say anything against the King or Parliament. Freedom to assemble and right to petition was expressed, because in England you could not assemble to petition something that you thought the king or the Parliament was doing wrong or that you did not agree with what they were doing.
Current Example: Freedom of Speech
A current example for freedom of speech is bumper stickers. It's an example because people show their opinion in a sticker on their car. I agree and disagree, I think that you should be able to show your opinion on your bumper sticker, but I also disagree because bumper stickers could be distracting to other drivers.
Current Example: Freedom of Religion
A current example for freedom of religion is that recently Muslim communities have been discriminated. Muslim women have been discriminated for what they wear. Also there was been laws proposed to ban Sharia and International Law. I think that Muslim people should not be discriminated because of their religion because they have the right to believe in whatever they want.
Current Example: Freedom of the Press
A current example for freedom of the press is that there are radio and news stations that are very "anti" Obama. I think that radio and news stations should be able to be "anti" Obama and say things against what Obama says, because they have the right to have whatever opinion they want. But they can only do that if they stay within limits and don't say slander or libel.
Current Example: Freedom to Assemble
When I was in New York City, I saw people petitioning on a street corner, and a cop came by and asked for a permit, but the people didn't have one so they had to leave. I think that you shouldn't have to have a permit, because anyone should be able to without a permit.
Current Example: Right to Petition
A current example of right to petition is when five African Americans sat in at a local branch library to protest segregation. I think they should be able to do that because, it's unfair that African Americans were treated differently because of the skin color.
Freedom to Assemble
Amendment II: Gun Control
Language of the Amendment
"A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed."
My Explanation of the Second Amendment
The second amendment says that there should be a well regulated Army for the security of the United States, and that people have the right to keep and use guns.
Why Amendment II Was Made
Amendment II was made because while Britain occupied America, people could not own their own weapons, even though France could attack at any second. Also the colonies could not have their own Militias.
Current Example: Gun Control
Gun control is a very popular topic right now due to what happened at Sandy Hook. People are debating whether you should be able to own guns, or there should be limits on who should be able to own them. Also if the number of bullets that the guns can hold is being debated. I think that people should be able to own guns, but if you are not mentally responsible enough to, you shouldn't be able to own them. Also I think the number of bullets in the clip should be reduced.