What is the 1st Amendment in simple terms for kids?

The First Amendment protects several basic freedoms in the United States including freedom of religion, freedom of speech, freedom of the press, the right to assemble, and the right to petition the government. It was part of the Bill of Rights that was added to the Constitution on December 15, 1791.

What is the 1st Amendment in simple terms?

The First Amendment guarantees freedoms concerning religion, expression, assembly, and the right to petition. It guarantees freedom of expression by prohibiting Congress from restricting the press or the rights of individuals to speak freely.

Do kids have 1st Amendment rights?

Court has long recognized that minors enjoy some degree of First Amendment protection. Students do not “shed their constitutional rights to freedom of speech or expression at the schoolhouse gate” (Tinker v. Des Moines Independent Community School District 1969).

Why is the First Amendment most important?

Understanding your rights is vital The First Amendment connects us as Americans. It protects our right to express our deepest beliefs in word and action. Yet most Americans can’t name the five freedoms it guarantees – religion, speech, press, assembly and petition.

What does freedom of the press mean kids?

Freedom of the press is a promise by a government not to punish journalists (and other people who report the news) for doing their job. It is an idea like freedom of speech: it lets people express their opinions or beliefs. Many countries have laws or constitutional amendments protecting freedom of the press.

What does the First Amendment do?

Constitution of the United States 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.

What is the constitution for kids?

A constitution is a set of rules that guides how a country, state, or other political organization works. The constitution may tell what the branches of the government are, what powers they have, and how they work. It may also state the rights of citizens.

Why is the First Amendment Important?

How does the First Amendment affect children?

The First Amendment sets no age limit. Its text says that “Congress shall make no law … abridging the freedom of speech.” It has no “adults only” modifier. It protects the free-speech rights of students — even those in elementary schools.

How does the First Amendment apply to minors?

Courts have held that minors have First Amendment rights and that those rights include the right to receive information. The First Amendment prohibits governmental entities from unconstitutionally infringing rights of free speech. Students in public schools, therefore, do have rights under the First Amendment.

What do kids learn about the First Amendment?

Kids learn about the First Amendment of the United States Constitution including freedom of religion, speech, the press, the right to assemble, the right to petition the government, and fun facts. US Government for Kids: First Amendment

When was the First Amendment added to the Constitution?

What are the freedoms protected by the First Amendment?

First Amendment. The First Amendment protects several basic freedoms in the United States including freedom of religion, freedom of speech, freedom of the press, the right to assemble, and the right to petition the government.

What does the First Amendment say about religion?

The First Amendment allows people to believe and practice whatever religion they want. They can also choose not to follow any religion. The government can, however, regulate religious practices such as human sacrifice or illegal drug use.