This activity is part of Module 10: The First Amendment from the Constitution 101 Curriculum
But wait, there is MORE in the First Amendment! The First Amendment also protects the right to assemble and the right to petition the government for a redress of grievances. These are two distinct rights. First, the right to assemble protects our right to gather together with others in groups—whether as part of a political meeting, religious gathering, street protest, or parade. And, second, the right to petition goes to our right to join together with others to share our collective views with the government—often by highlighting problems and suggesting ways of fixing them.
In this activity, you will examine one primary source relating to assembly and petition. Answer the following questions for the primary source you are assigned.
- What is the primary source you were assigned?
- Who is the author or who are the significant people involved?
- What year did the author(s) write/speak??
- How did the author(s) use assembly and/or petition rights to push for reform?
- What types of changes are the author(s) advocating?
- Provide at least two quotes from your source as evidence to support your answers.
