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.
what is the first amendment
