Every American used to study the American Constitution in elementary school, middle school, and/or high school history, civics, or political science classes. Now that happens less and less as the focus is on wars and areas and treaties. Most people under the age of 30 on the street can’t tell you what the Constitution is, much less what the 1st Amendment provides. To avoid having your guaranteed personal freedoms violated, you need to know what these important documents say.
1. Congress Cannot Make One Religion the Supreme Religion
Back when the Founding Fathers created this right, King George of England was trying to make it illegal for any colonist to worship any religion His Highness didn’t approve of. In response, the Founding Fathers wanted to separate “church and state” so that anyone could feel free to worship as they choose.
2. Government Cannot Dictate How People Worship
You are free to attend any church, religious organization, or spiritual gathering of your own choice. The government cannot interfere, even in affairs where crimes have been committed and infringement of your religious freedom would be a problem in the criminal case. You can even worship in your own home without fear of government retribution.
3. You Have Freedom of Personal Expression
How you speak and how you express yourself isn’t limited, or at least it shouldn’t be. This was enacted as part of the first Amendment in response to King George who saw some of the negative things said about him in colonist papers and wanted to stop anyone from saying anything bad about him. It includes freedom of the press, the ability to print and say any opinion about anything.
4. You Can Assemble and Protest, So Long as It’s Peaceful
Despite years of people attempting to assemble and protest in peace, such assemblies have sometimes turned ugly because a politician or police force decided protesters had to leave. As long as the protest you are in is not causing damage and is only vocal, you have the right to assemble and speak your mind. You cannot be arrested for it or charged with any crime.