The First Amendment is home to some of America’s most important freedoms. These rights are the pillars of our republic. The Founders of our country wanted to protect the citizens from an all-powerful government. Over time, the interpretation of this amendment has changed. But the spirit of protection has remained the same.
The text of this amendment reads, “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.”