This Amendment was authorized December 15, 1791. In the First Amendment, there are five basic freedoms. The freedom of religion, freedom of speech, freedom of the press, freedom of assembly, and the freedom to petition the government. The freedom of religion keeps the government from favoring one religion over any other or establishing an official religion.

The First Amendment also guarantees freedom of speech. This means that Americans have the right to express their own ideas and views. Symbolic speech is also protected by this amendment. Freedom of speech, however, does not mean that people can say anything they want to. The Constitution does not protect false statements meant to damage someone's reputation and intentionally writing a lie that harms another person.

I Amendment

The free press is our best protection against abuse of government power. Newspapers, magazines, and other media such as books and television act as "watchdogs" on the government.

Americans also have freedom of assembly, or of holding meetings. Any group may gather to discuss issues or conduct business. If people gather peacefully and do not engage in illegal activities, the government cannot interfere.

The right to petition states that a citizen can present a petition to a government official. This right lets the public show dissatisfaction with a law.