Amendment 1 : Freedom of Assembly, Religion, and Speech


Congress shall make no law respecting the establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof, or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or of the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.

 The first amendment covers a lot of ground and is the precursor for many of ways we are allowed to express ourselves, our beliefs, and our opinions. This amendment really opens up what it means to be free. We are not dominated or cultivated toward anything in particular. You are allowed to not agree with the majority, and you can follow your own beliefs. Being able to speak your mind, either in opposition or to stand up for something, really defines our nation.

This video displays our first amendment in action during recent times. The opposition of Trump's immigration policies are a dividing force which has led to the right of assembly in the form of protests. The video shows how emotionally powerful this issue is for families as well as how divisive it is for trust in our government. We are a nation that was built on inclusiveness so openly opposing that has sparked backlash and citizens have turned to the first amendment to voice their opinions. 

This video explains how our religious freedom even came to be. Although the Bill of Rights was ratified in 1791, the freedom of religion has always been tested. We have managed to allow the freedom to practice as you please but there has not always been a clear line between church and government. Throughout  all of these tests our government has further determined how religious freedom works in changing times. The example in 2015 regarding the Utah legislature, not only was the LGBT community protected from discrimination, but it also further upholds religious freedom. 

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Section 1. After one year from the ratification of this article the manufacture, sale, or transportation of intoxicating liquors within, the importation thereof into, or the exportation thereof from the United States and all territory subject to the jurisdiction thereof for beverage purposes is hereby prohibited. Section 2. The Congress and the several States shall have concurrent power to enforce this article by appropriate legislation. Section 3. This article shall be inoperative unless it shall have been ratified as an amendment to the Constitution by the legislatures of the several States, as provided in the Constitution, within seven years from the date of the submission hereof to the States by the Congress. This amendment was important during the time in which banned the making, sale, and delivery of alcohol. It was also the only amendment ever repealed in 1933. This significance of this amendment was a dominant stance of our government against alcohol in the United States. ...
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