1st Amendment Rights
Individual Freedom
Freedom of Religion
This freedom gives Americans the right to practice their faith in the way they want. It means that the Congress cannot establish or support any religion as the official faith of the United States.
Americans can practice the religion of their choice, or no religion at all.
Freedom of Speech
This freedom allows individuals to express themselves without being interfered or restricted by the government.
The government may prohibit some speech that may cause a violation of the peace or cause violence.
The government may not restrict speech because of its viewpoint, unless there is a national or public concern.
Censorship is a restriction for the taking of someone's freedom away.
Freedom of the Press
This freedom guarantees a free press, which includes all news media—TV, radio, the web, etc.
Freedom of the Press: Crash Course Government and Politics #26
The government does not have the right to control or block certain things being published by the press.
The Right to Assemble
This right allows people to gather and collectively express, promote, pursue, and defend their beliefs. Implied in this right is the right to association and belief.
People can assemble for political, social, and religious purposes.
People can physically gather.
The government can forbid people to associate with groups that involve and advocate illegal activities.
The Right to Petition
This right grants the people to stand up and speak out against injustices. It also gives them the power to help change tyranny or corruptions.