In this paper we will analyze the First Amendment of the Untied States Constitution. Further, we will provide a background history of the issues surrounding the First Amendment, a synopsis of the evolution of the interpretation of the amendment in various Supreme Court decisions and analyze how the First Amendment has impacted American society. We will also address predictions of how interpretations of the First Amendment might change in the future. We will touch topics such as religion, speech/press, assembly, and petition government for redress of grievances. .
Amendment I, collectively known as one of the Bill of Rights says 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. (United States Constitution, 2004).
As you can clearly see, that first sentence states "congress shall make no law.".
It is important to recognize that it is saying that Amendment I applies only to Congress.
Matters of religious freedom and expression should be decided by the states, and disputes should be settled in state courts. It is ensuring that the federal government has no jurisdiction or authority over religious issues. .
"Without the First Amendment, religious minorities could be persecuted, the government might well establish a national religion, protesters could be silenced, the press could not criticize government, and citizens could not mobilize for social change." (www.firstamendmentcenter.org) .
The first amendment prevents one king, one law and one faith to becoming a reality in the United States. "Congress shall not make one law with respect to an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof, or abridge the freedom of speech, or the press; or the right of people peaceable to assemble, and to petition the Government for redress of grievances.
