What It Means
Protects five fundamental freedoms: religion, speech, press, peaceful assembly, and the right to petition the government.
Historical Context
The Founders considered these freedoms essential to preventing tyranny.
Original Text
“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.”
- Amendment Number
- 1 of 27
- Ratified
- 1791
- Category
- Bill of Rights
Other Bill of Rights Amendments
Amendment 21791
Right to Bear Arms
Amendment 31791
Quartering of Soldiers
Amendment 41791
Search and Seizure
Amendment 51791
Rights of the Accused
Amendment 61791
Right to a Fair Trial
Amendment 71791
Trial by Jury in Civil Cases
Amendment 81791
Bail and Punishment
Amendment 91791
Rights Retained by the People
Amendment 101791
Powers Reserved to the States