THE FIRST AMENDMENT



THE FIRST AMENDMENT

The first ten Amendments (Bill of Rights) were ratified effective December 13, 1791.

AMENDMENT 1

*Freedom of religion, speech, and the press

*Rights 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.

Terms to know

a. prohibiting – keeping out, not allowing

b. abridging - to shorten or reduce

c. redress – remedy

Read the First Amendment. Answer the following questions.

|First Amendment Broken into Parts |

|Freedoms found within the First Amendment |How does this portion of the amendment limit the government? |

|1. Freedom of Religion |*The government may not dictate what religion the people should |

| |follow |

| |*The government may not use taxpayer money to support a |

| |particular religion |

| |*The government may not prevent the citizenry from practicing |

| |religion |

|2. Freedom of Speech |*Allows the people to criticize the government without threat of |

| |imprisonment or death |

| |*Allows personal expression as long as others are not put in |

| |grave danger. |

| |(In other words, you must be responsible for what you say.) |

|3. Freedom of Press |*Allows reporting of the government’s activity |

| |*Keeps the citizenry informed |

|4. Right to a Assemble |*Allow for groups with common goals and beliefs to meet. |

| |*Gives organization to groups so that they may be better |

| |represented by government |

|5. Right to Petition |*Allows the people to request change and voice displeasure |

| |without the threat of imprisonment or death. |

1. The First Amendment shows the United States as a limited or unlimited government?

EXPLAIN your answer.

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