The First Amendment - Freedom of Speech, Religion, and the Press
This article was edited and reviewed by FindLaw Attorney Writers | Last updated March 23, 2021
Adopted in 1791, the First Amendment protects freedom of religion, freedom of speech, and freedom of the press. It also gives those in the United States the right to peacefully protest and petition the government. It was added to the Constitution along with nine other amendments, which together became known as the Bill of Rights.
The First Amendment states:
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.
In essence, the First Amendment protects an individual's religious freedom, the free press, the freedom to peacefully protest, and freedom of speech from interference by the government.
Library of Congress Constitution Annotations
The United States Library of Congress periodically prepares a scholarly document called The Constitution of the United States of America: Analysis and Interpretation. Also known as the Constitution Annotated, it provides historical context and analysis of Supreme Court decisions that help to illustrate what the text of the Constitution means for our legal system.
We have organized these annotations and incorporated them into our pages on the Constitution. Use the links below to find out more.
Freedom of Religion
Religion Clauses: Historical Background
Financial Assistance to Church-Related Institutions
Tax Exemptions of Religious Property
Governmental Encouragement of Religion in Public Schools:
Access of Religious Groups to Public Property
Are Religious Organizations Exempt From Discrimination Laws?
Are Sunday Closing Laws Constitutional?
Regulation of Religious Solicitation
Can There Be Religious Symbols on Government Property?
Religion in Governmental Observances
Non-Financial Constitutional Issues Concerning Religion: Trump v. Hawaii
Can Churches Participate in Government?
The Relationship Between the First Amendment's Establishment Clause and Free Speech Clause
Facially Neutral Laws That Interfere With Religious Practice:
Laws That Require Government Involvement in Resolving Religious Disputes
Laws That Facially Discriminate Against Religious Practices
Freedom of Expression
Freedom of Speech: Historical Background
Procedural Matters and Freedom of Speech
- Overbreadth
- Vagueness
- Prior Restraints
- State Action
Advocacy of Illegal Conduct
- Early Doctrine
- Movement from Clear and Present Danger Test
- Current Doctrine
Fighting Words, Hostile Audiences and True Threats
Defamation and False Statements
Invasions of Privacy
Obscenity
Zoning Decisions
Child Pornography
Public Indecency and Nudity
Commercial Speech
Content-Based Regulation
Viewpoint-Based Discrimination
Government-Owned Property
Government Speech Doctrine
Freedom of Speech and the Role of the Government
- Government as Employer
- Government as Educator
- Government as Imprisoner
Regulation of the Media
Campaign Finance and Electoral Process
Lobbying
Legislative Investigations
Compelled Speech
Compelled Subsidization Doctrine
Unconstitutional Conditions on Speech
Symbolic Speech
- Practice of Symbolic Speech
- Current Doctrine
Solicitation
Protests and Marches
Freedom of Association
Freedom of Association Overview
Freedom of the Press
Freedom of the Press Overview
Protection of Confidential Sources
Right to Access Government Places and Papers
Freedom of Assembly and Freedom of Petition
Freedom of Assembly and Petition: Overview