1st Amendment (RAPPS)

LESSON 31B

1st Amendment (RAPPS)

Today we will analyze the impact of the first amendment using a reading selection.

Today we will use content area vocabulary to summarize the impact of the first amendment in a written response.

DO NOW:

The First Amendment protects the civil liberties of individuals in the United States. However,

the amendment’s freedoms are NOT absolute. They are limited to the rights of other

individuals.

Assembly

In some countries, people cannot peacefully gather to protest against government policies without fear of punishment. The First Amendment gives people the right to "peacefully assemble" without fear that the government will use force against them.

Petition

Congress cannot deny individuals the right to write to government representatives seeking a change in the law. The right to petition allows citizens to complain to their representatives about things that they do not like and would like to see changed.

Press

The First Amendment also guarantees freedom of the press. This freedom is very similar to freedom of speech. It permits people to express themselves through publication. During colonial times, Parliament imposed the Stamp Act to limit the printing of criticism or information. Freedom of the press allows newspaper, radio, and television to write or announce what they want without fear of punishment.

Speech

In many countries, people are afraid to criticize their government. They fear being fined, jailed, or otherwise punished for what they say. In the United States, the First Amendment protects our freedom to say or write almost anything in public. Freedom of speech allows individuals in our society to express themselves in most circumstances without fear of government interference.

Multiple Choice

That if any person shall write...any false, scandalous and malicious...writings against the government of the United States, or... stir up sedition within the United States...then such person...shall be punished by a fine not exceeding two thousand dollars, and by imprisonment not exceeding two years.

-An Act of the Fifth Congress of the United States, 1798

Which constitutional guarantee did this act violate?

• Freedom of Religion

• The Right to due process

• Freedom of the press

• The right to a jury trial

Multiple Choice

If freedom of assembly were not a protected freedom, American citizens would be unable to

• join political groups that promote new social policies

• give public speeches filled with lies about the president

• trust newspapers to print the truth about their leaders

• write letters criticizing government policies

Multiple Choice

... gives Americans the right to express themselves without having to worry about government interference.

• Freedom of speech

• Freedom of Assembly

• Due Process

• Freedom of Religion

Multiple Choice

Congress passes a law that says everyone must worship the sunset. Ana is arrested for refusing to participate. Which right/freedom is being violated?

• Freedom of Assembly

• Freedom of Religion

• Freedom of the Press

• Freedom of Speech

Multiple Choice

A group of 8th-graders at Liberty MS sent a letter to the Governor asking him to put an end to the STAAR test. A month later, every student in Mr. Espinosa's 6th period, who signed the letter, were arrested and charged with being disrespectful to the government. What right/freedom is being violated? (BTW, Mr. Espinosa was not arrested, and in fact, got a pay raise!)

• Freedom of the Press

• Freedom of Religion

• Freedom of Petition

• Freedom of Assembly

Multiple Choice

Maggie has a bumper sticker supporting Joe Biden on her car. She is pulled over and given a ticket for not supporting President Trump. What right is being violated?

• 1st Amendment - Freedom of Speech

• 1st Amendment - Freedom of Religion

• 1st Amendment - Freedom of Petition

• 1st Amendment - Freedom of the Press

Open Ended

How does the First Amendment relate to issues in our country today? Give one example.

Open Ended

How does the First Amendment protect Freedom of Religion?