The Bill of Rights and Freedoms of the Press - Assembly - and Petition
First Amendment freedoms like press, assembly, and petition are essential to self-government. The Founders saw these freedoms as a bulwark of free, republican government and a means of assuring justice.
Why Are the Rights to Assembly and Petition Important to Liberty?
The Founders knew that an individual’s voice is at its most powerful when he can freely come together with citizens of like mind and speak as one. People in the United States have organized, demonstrated, petitioned, and protested in a variety of ways and on a variety of topics, many controversial, since our very beginnings. These rights, however, are not unlimited and must find balance with the rights and safety of others. This lesson explores this balance.
Reasoned and respectful sharing of ideas between individuals is the primary way people influence change in society/government, and is essential to maintain self-government.
Inalienable / Natural Rights
Freedoms which belong to us by nature and can only be justly taken away through due process.
Individuals must take care of themselves and their families and be vigilant to preserve their liberty.
Except where authorized by citizens through the Constitution, the government does not have the authority to limit freedom.