Amendment I

Amendment I

     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 the very first amendment to the constitution and holds strong meaning to the people. This started out with the laws enacted by congress and made only for the federal government, but was later given to the states. The establishment clause and the free exercise clause both came from this amendment. The establishment clause stated that the government cannot establish an official church. The free exercise clause said that all religions are free to worship as they choose in the United States. Speech that can be restricted is defamatory speech which is false and malicious speech meant to harm a persons reputation . Since there are some restrictions to the first amendment, it is not absolute. The freedom of the press allows the press to publish, even in media. Social media like Facebook and Twitter are still questioned whether they are covered by the free press clause.

     This video is good at introducing the freedom of speech in a funny way. This comedian talks about the differences between a white person and a blacks person at church. He demonstrates what each persons says during a church service and that people have the right to say what they want.





     This is a silly little cartoon demonstrating the first amendment. Everyone has the freedom of speech and the right of the people peaceably to assemble. In this case, one person is protesting against a certain bakery that doesn't sell donuts.