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The US Constitution is a landmark document that protects the freedoms we enjoy today. Of particular importance is the 1st Amendment, which 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 redress of grievances."
The importance of the 1st amendment and freedom of speech can not be understated. As Americans we have the right to express our beliefs and protest, which are critical for keeping government accountable to the people.
Click here to learn about some of the nation's most important 1st Amendment cases. To learn about the history of the 1st Amendment and the rest of the Bill of Rights, please visit the National Archives which provides excellent information.
How can I exercise my 1st Amendment rights?
The United States of America is the greatest country in the world because of its citizens. Since our nation's founding, we have come together to build a nation envied across the world because of our freedoms and values. Although the American people often disagree on divisive issues, we have the right to express our opinions and also the responsibility to protect those rights for all citizens. Although some viewpoints of our fellow Americans can sometimes upset us, we must be mindful of how we can exercise our rights while respecting the rights of our fellow citizens.
Freedom of Speech and the Right of the People Peaceably to Assemble
Register to Vote and Exercise that Right: Be an informed voter and vote in your elections. Participate in the democratic process and make your voice heard!
Becoming Comfortable with Being Uncomfortable: The 1st amendment applies to all of us, not just those we disagree with. We can not silence our fellow citizens just because we don't like their viewpoints. If we want our fellow citizens to respect our rights we must respect their rights as well.
Protest peacefully: The right to protest is a freedom Americans enjoy, while the citizens of many other countries do not have that right. Throughout our history, protest has been an important tool to help our country grow and become a more perfect union. Although protesting is a protected right, how, where and when you can protest is governed by our laws. To exercise our right to protest and to protect the rights of others to protest, it's important to know how you can lawfully protest.
Say No to Political Violence: As a nation, we must reject all forms of political violence. We can not excuse or legitimize violence as tool to advance our viewpoints, ever. Violence foments division and also leads to further violence.
Additional Resources on Protesting Peacefully:
The ACLU provides detailed information on understanding and exercising your free speech rights: https://www.acluohio.org/rights-protesters/demonstrations-and-free-speech/
Want to learn more about the Constitution and our Rights as US Citizens?
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