History on the First Amendment
Uploaded by srheric on Apr 25, 2007
History on the First 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.” This is what the first amendment of The Constitution of the United States promises to every American citizen. The first amendment is what gives us the opportunity to practice whatever religion we would like and not be tortured or harassed for it, the right to speak our mind freely and not be punished for it, the ability to meet with others and express all of the thoughts that we have, and the right to petition against ideas that we do not agree with and would like to change.
On December 15, 1791 the Bill of Rights was ratified and became a very important part of the Constitution as we know it. Before the Bill of Rights, which includes the 1st amendment, we were not promised all of the things that we are promised today such as the freedom of speech, religion and assembly. Without the 1st amendment and the Bill of Rights, we would not be living the lives we live today.
The freedom of speech and press was provided to us to protect the expression of unpopular views, to allow people to have their say and not be punished for it. Although the freedom of speech is still somewhat bridled, it does give Americans the ability to say or write pretty much whatever they want. For example, while one can criticize our government, they do not have the right to slander another person. In one case, there is a Minnesota law that limits what state judicial candidates can say during election campaigns about issues that may come before them while on the bench. Although the Supreme court agreed with this, it is a very controversial rule. It seems here that the First amendment is being challenged. ( see works cited )
The freedom of religion was instituted so that any and all Americans could have their own religious beliefs without being persecuted. A large number of early colonists moved to America to get away from the religious persecution they were suffering in their own countries. Just...