First Amendment

Free, yet Limited

What does America have that other countries wish of having? Freedom is what separates the United States from the rest. The Constitution, which contains the Bill of Rights, was introduced by James Madison on September 25, 1789 and was later ratified on December 15, 1791. The Bill of Rights contains ten amendments, which people have argued the first one is the most important one. The First Amendment states “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”. But the real question is, are Americans truly free? Although it might take a minute to actually think about it, he answer to that is no. Yes Americans have the freedom to live their lives the way they want to, but there are limitations. Although, the First Amendment rewards Americans with certain rights, it is important to understand their significance and limitation and not abuse them. The First Amendment alone is what makes America, America.

Does the First Amendment apply to every citizen equally? Today every American is protected by their rights they are born with; although, that was not always the case. For example, for many years American women were seen as minorities and were not even able to speak their mind. Women began uniting and using their right to assemble to present their arguments when they felt they were not being treated equally to men. The First Amendment rights were vital for women to gain equality because they were able to get together and protest and not be charged as having committed a crime. Another great example is the Civil Rights movement. In 1963, Martin Luther King Jr. gave his “I Have a Dream” speech which gave Blacks hope for a change. American born Blacks were tired of being segregated from the Whites and they united and fought until their voice was heard.

Without the First Amendment many citizens would not be able to live the life of their choice. The pros of the First Amendment are exactly what the amendment states. When a group of people want to ask the government to change something or take action, they have the right to assemble and petition. Every citizen is free to practice the religion of their choice or no religion at all. They also