First Amendment
Definition
The First Amendment protects five basic freedoms - freedom of religion, speech, press, assembly, and petition against government interference.
Analogy
The First Amendment is like your personal shield in a video game; it protects you from attacks on your basic rights and freedoms.
Related terms
Freedom of Speech: The right to express any opinions without censorship or restraint.
Establishment Clause: Part of the First Amendment stating that 'Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion.'
Right to Petition: The constitutional right of people to appeal to government in favor of or against policies that affect them directly.
"First Amendment" appears in:
Study guides (4)
Additional resources (1)
Practice Questions (20+)
What does the First Amendment protect?
What is the case that established that students do not lose their First Amendment rights in school?
Which type of speech is protected under the First Amendment?
Which form of expression is protected by the First Amendment?
Which form of speech is usually given less protection under the First Amendment due to its potential to decieve consumers?
The framers of the Constitution included the freedom of the press in the First Amendment primarily to:
The First Amendment protects the right of journalists to gather and report information without interference from the government. This right is known as:
How does the First Amendment protect journalists?
How is the First Amendment relevant to Citizen United v Federal Election Commission case in 2010?
How did the Supreme Court case of Schenck v. United States impact interpretations of the First Amendment?
How does the First Amendment's freedom-of-speech clause affect current social media guidelines?
How did the historical context of post-revolutionary America shape the development of the First Amendment?
Why has the First Amendment's protection of freedom of speech remained a fundamental aspect of American democracy?
Which trend in Supreme Court interpretations of the First Amendment aligns most closely with Thomas Jefferson's "wall of separation" letter to the Danbury Baptists?
How might future politicians interpret the First Amendment's Freedom of Speech clause in light of emerging digital platforms?
Which Supreme Court decision affirmed that burning the American flag is an act protected under the First Amendment?
Which clause in the First amendment prohibits government from favoring one religion over another?
In which case did Supreme court decide in favor of student's freedom of speech rights at school under first amendment?
What part of the First Amendment grants the right to peacefully assemble and petition the government for a redress of grievances?
Which institution is primarily responsible for interpreting the First Amendment?
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