The Importance of the 1st Amendment In 1787 our founding fathers assembled the constitution of the United States of America. Of this which contains the most important document to the American citizen, the Bill of rights. 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” These freedoms granted by the Bill of Rights are often known as freedom of expression. These rights are most important to a truly free society. The first amendment provides us with new ideas and dismisses the fear of punishment
Howard Zinn famously once said: “The First Amendment is whatever the cop on the beat says it is.” Zinn’s words may have best been exemplified in Ferguson, Missouri, in the aftermath of the Michael Brown shooting. The First Amendment states that no law shall be made “abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble” (U.S. Constitution). Yet in Ferguson, protesters were confronted by police officers carrying military-grade equipment, and reporters were arrested while simply doing their job. Zinn appears to have been right; at least temporarily, the rights an American has under the First Amendment are whatever the cop on the beat says they are.
Essentially, the fairness doctrine enhances the First Amendment, and does not infringe upon it. The doctrine ensure a balance, and grants an open discussion of the issues being brought up. Due to the space limitations within radio and television, it allows for those channels to be more closely regulated. The FCC isn’t telling Red Lion to not host Reverend Hargis, or telling him to watch his tongue, they’re simply telling them to allow for rebuttal and to keep it fair.
The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects against unreasonable searches and seizures shall not be violated… We all know the fourth amendment. It's the amendment that guarantees our safety within our homes and our personal belongings. Yet, how much do you know about the fourth amendment? The fourth amendment is full of history, controversy, and discussion, even in modern day.
Another limitation that does not protect citizens under the First Amendment is using fighting words that disturb the peace. In April 1940, Walter Chaplinsky was in downtown in Rochester, New Hampshire handing out literature and speaking publicly about religion. As Chaplinsky continued to talk, the crowd continued to grow, blocking the streets and disturbing the area. The public around him became upset with Chaplinsky as he began to denounce religion as “racket”.
The Second Amendment to the United States Constitution protects the right of the individual to keep and bear firearms. When the Second Amendment was written it was for the right to arm oneself as a personal liberty to deter undemocratic or oppressive governing bodies from forming and to repel impending invasions. Furthermore, gun advocates proclaim that guns are for the right to self-defense. Some people try to participate and uphold the law. We have seen how guns in the hands of children can cause fatal accidents and people have committed mindless crimes leading to
The First Amendment was accomplished on the year of 1791 and it’s the one of the important Amendments in the Bill of Rights. It talks about the protection for all people rights, such as the freedom of speech, religion, press and assembly which made our country to be different, unique and to protect our rights as American citizens. The First Amendment also allows the people to protest and to speak their opinion. Understanding the rights that been given by the Congress is the importance by the United States citizens. Each citizen must respect their rights.
The first amendment is very important for United State citizens. Freedom of speech is one of the most important rights. Freedom of speech grants us rights to say what we want without getting in trouble with the law. This law is important because it allows us to express our opinions. Freedom of religion is another right that is very important.
What is the most important part of the first amendment? In my opinion, freedom of religion is the most important. It gives you a right to practice what religion you want. For thousands of years, people have been told what to believe in, and how to believe in a God. The fact that we live n a country where you can practice in whichever religion you choose, is a great accomplishment.
In my own opinion, I am glad that Heller won I strongly think he should have won. I support the Second Amendment very adamantly. I believe that D.C did not have the right to tell Heller he could not have a permit, it goes against the constitution to tell a person that the rights that our Fore-Fathers gave us no longer applies to our lives and that they have to give up their right to bear arms. A person should be allowed to have the right to keep and bear arms to be able to protect and support their family.