First Amendment by

Date Passed:

bedouglas14 — 2014-02-28 14:40:57 UTC

September 25, 1789

Date Ratified:

bedouglas14 — 2014-02-28 14:42:22 UTC

December 15, 1791

What does it do?

bedouglas14 — 2014-02-28 14:45:14 UTC

The free-speech clause protects all forms of speech, including artistic, literary, musical, political, religious and commercial speech.

What is it all about?

bedouglas14 — 2014-02-28 14:45:24 UTC

Freedom of speech and expression is not a luxury of democracy, but it should be recognized as a necessity. In order for a democratic form of government to function and continue to exist, it must have free expression and educated criticism.

How does it work?

bedouglas14 — 2014-02-28 14:45:31 UTC

It allows individuals to speak their mind and write freely without government intervention. The First Amendment of the United States Constitution stops the government from making any laws that may stop us from saying what we feel or think. The American people have the right to share their opinions with other people or criticize the government. - See more at: http://kids.laws.com/first-amendment#sthash.Y1B7NsL5.dpuf

Why was it important when it was first created?

bedouglas14 — 2014-02-28 14:46:01 UTC

Freedom of Speech was once only for the rich and powerful. Royal governors, clergymen, and a powerful few in the early days of the colonies were the only folks allowed to speak their minds. If someone wasn't powerful enough and spoke their mind, they could be arrested.

The Sedition Act of 1798, signed by President John Adams, gave federal authorities the right to prosecute any individual suspected of plotting against the federal government. This Act also allowed a provision that made it a criminal act to speak or write maliciously of the president or of Congress, which was defined as “with the intent to defame” or to bring either “into contempt or disrepute.”

Why is it important now?

bedouglas14 — 2014-02-28 14:46:12 UTC

It is the freedoms provided by our First Amendment that makes America vastly different from other countries. We are free to speak our mind without fear of censorship or imprisonment.

How has this affected the Unites States?

bedouglas14 — 2014-02-28 14:46:26 UTC

Most of the development of the United States’ free society has come about because of public debate and disclosure, in both oratory and written form.

How does this affect me

bedouglas14 — 2014-02-28 14:46:53 UTC

This allows me to be able to state my thoughts, opinions, feelings, arguments freely without intentionally harming anothers opinions, reputation, or feelings. Well at least when i am of age (18).

Author:

bedouglas14 — 2014-02-28 15:36:02 UTC

James Madison

Fun Facts

bedouglas14 — 2014-03-04 15:11:25 UTC

Another Sedition Act, passed in 1918, considered speaking “disloyal or abusive language” about the flag, Constitution and government a criminal act.

First Amendment

bedouglas14 — 2014-03-04 15:13:18 UTC

"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."