what is the first amendment

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Nature

The First Amendment to the United States Constitution, adopted on December 15, 1791, as part of the Bill of Rights, protects several fundamental freedoms. It prohibits Congress from making laws that establish a religion or prohibit its free exercise. It also safeguards freedoms of speech, the press, assembly, and the right to petition the government for redress of grievances. The exact text of the First 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." These protections broadly shield individuals from government interference in expressing ideas, practicing religion, speaking freely, publishing, gathering peacefully, and seeking remedies from the government. This amendment has been extensively interpreted by courts, expanding and clarifying the scope of these freedoms—such as the separation of church and state, the protection of political speech, and the press—forming a core part of American civil liberties. In summary, it secures the rights to freedom of religion, speech, press, assembly, and petitioning the government.