Page 54 - Paths to Change

About the Text The First Amendment was added to the United States Constitution as part of the Bill of Rights. Adopted in 1791, the Bill of Rights were not included when the Constitution was signed in 1787. Written by James Madison, the Bill of Rights were added to the Constitution because American citizens have always demanded their freedoms be protected under law. Unfortunately, these freedoms were limited to the founding fathers and those that looked like them (white men) and have been manipulated throughout history to exclude Black Americans, women, and other marginalized groups. The freedoms protected under the First Amendment include speech, press, religion, assembly, and petition, meaning the U.S. government is prohibited, by law, from the following: • Establishing a religion for all citizens • Creating rules and laws that keep citizens from voicing their opinions, even if contrary to the government • Interfering with the printing and circulation of news, even if it does not speak favorably of the government • Interfering with citizens gathering for the purpose of common goals or interests (this also extends to interference from law enforcement) • Blocking petitions by citizens suggesting changes and voicing concerns Student Questions & Sample Responses 1. What rights does the First Amendment protect for U.S. citizens? The First Amendment protects citizens’ rights to freedom of speech, freedom of the press, protest, and petition the government. 2. When this document was written, to whom did it apply? Who did it exclude? This document applied to all U.S. citizens which, at that time, excluded Blacks, who were considered property due to enslavement. 3. Based on this Amendment, how does the author view the government? The author, James Madison, and other founding fathers were skeptical of the government and viewed the government as untrustworthy. After experiencing a dictatorship under the King of England, the Text 11: The First Amendment Educator Guide The Black Inquiry Project 53