Amendment I
Freedom of Religion, Speech, Press, Assembly & Petition
Ratified December 15, 1791
The First Amendment imposes five distinct prohibitions on Congress: no establishment of religion, no prohibition of free exercise, no abridgment of speech, no abridgment of the press, and no restriction of peaceable assembly or petition. Through 14th Amendment incorporation, these protections now bind state governments as well.
Full Text
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.
Annotated Version
The Bill of Rights document includes phrase highlights and court case references for this amendment.
Constitutional Framework
Original Text
U.S. Constitution
Articles I–VII (1787). The three branches, enumerated powers, and the framework these amendments modify.
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Amendments I–X
Bill of Rights
Ratified December 15, 1791. Freedom of religion, speech, press, arms, due process, and more.
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Amendments XI–XXVII
Later Amendments
Ratified 1795–1992. Abolition of slavery, equal protection, women's suffrage, and more.
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