This activity is part of Module 10: The First Amendment from the Constitution 101 Curriculum
In this activity, you will learn more about the big ideas behind the First Amendment.
Watch the video and answer the following questions.
- What are the main goals of the First Amendment?
- What were the reasons for adding these freedoms to the First Amendment?
- How do the First Amendment’s freedoms affect our lives today?
Based on the information from the video, provide evidence to support the following statements about the First Amendment.
- Freedom of conscience is an unalienable right because people have the right and duty to think for themselves.
- Free speech makes representatives accountable to “We the People.”
- Free speech is necessary for the discovery of truth and the rejection of falsehood.
- Free speech allows the public discussion necessary for democratic self-government.
- The right to the free exercise of religion protects people's beliefs and how they gather and worship from government abuse.
- Freedom of assembly is an important means through which people can gather together to share their ideas with one another, plan collective action, and engage in collective acts of expression like parades, protests, and picketing.
- The right to petition ensures a right for all of us to share our ideas (and complaints) with the government, often about how to solve a problem, right a wrong, or change a policy.
