The First Amendment

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The First Amendment: Religion

First Amendment: An amendment to the Constitution of the United States guaranteeing the right of free expression; includes freedom of assembly, freedom of the press, freedom of religion, and freedom of speech.

“Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof …” — The First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution

Questions:

1. What is freedom of religion?

2. Why is freedom of religion important?

Source: http://hazel.forest.net/skjold/photo_pages/religious.htm 2

The First Amendment: Freedom of Speech and of the Press

First Amendment: An amendment to the Constitution of the United States guaranteeing the right of free expression; includes freedom of assembly, freedom of the press, freedom of religion, freedom of speech and freedom to petition, or question, the government.

“Congress shall make no law abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press;”

— The First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution

Questions: 1. What does freedom of speech mean to you?

2. Can people in this country say whatever they want? Are there any limits on freedom of speech?

3. How are freedom of speech and freedom of the press similar? 3

The First Amendment: Assembly and Petition

First Amendment: An amendment to the Constitution of the United States guaranteeing the right of free expression; includes freedom of assembly, freedom of the press, freedom of religion, freedom of speech and freedom to petition, or question, the government.

“Congress shall make no law abridging… the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government...”

— The First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution

Questions: 1. From looking at this picture, what do you think the right to assemble means? Why is this important?

2. From looking at this picture, what do you think the right to petition means? Is it important?

3. Why are the freedoms to assemble and petition important? 4

The First Amendment: Conclusion Comments, Connections, Questions First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution Amendment I

Congress shall make no law respecting an

establishment or religion, or prohibiting the

free exercise thereof; or abridging the

freedom of speech, or the press: or the right

of the people peaceably to assemble, and to

petition the government for a redress of

grievances.

In 10 words or less, what is the purpose, or the point of the First Amendment:

1. How does this amendment apply to your life: think video games, cell-phone use in school, TV shows, facebook, school, home, workplace, books, movies?

2. Give examples of possible problems that might come up regarding this amendment?

3. This amendment is considered one of the most important in the Constitution. Do you agree or disagree? Why?