Notes on the First Amendment

First Amendment-->freedom of religion, speech, press, assembly, and petition.
I. Freedom of Religion
A. Prohibits Congress from establishing an official religion in the U.S.
1. Separation of Church and State
B. Guarentees Americans the right to practice religion as they wish
II. Freedom of Speech
A. Guarentees Americans the right to say what is on their minds in public or in private without fear of punishment
1. Does not permit speech that harms other people, slander
2. Does not include the right to endanger our government (treason)
3. Also called "freedom of expression"
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