The First Amendment

Created by: Brittani Hunter Eric Baiden-Quayson

What it 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.”

-Amendment One, Bill of Rights, United States Constitution

The History Behind the Amendment

An aura of enlightenment lingered amongst the framers of the United States Constitution. They aimed to set the tone for a country founded on democracy and openness. Encouraging free expression amongst one another, the Bill of Rights was created to reveal the liberties that should be granted to citizens. This Bill of Rights consists of the first 10 amendments, the first of which was written by fourth president and founding father, James Madison.

Created over 200 years ago, this amendment has stood the test of time, undergoing only minor alterations.

“The First Amendment is the cornerstone of free speech in our society: This is what distinguishes democratic nations from many others.”

- Public Relations Professional, Fraser P. Seitel

The Five Freedoms

SPEECH

PRESS

RELIGION

ASSEMBLYPETITION

FreedomOfSpeech

This freedom grants us the right to speak freely and to express ourselves.

Pointers:-Expect people to voice their opinion about your organization.

-Expect positive and negative feedback.

-You have the right to respond to feedback by refuting outside opinions.

-Employees within your organization also have the right to voice their opinions if they are appropriate and professional.

FreedomOf

Press

This freedom includes our right to expression through press. Expression by way of the internet, social media and other published material also fall into this category.

Pointers-People outside of your organization have the right to applaud/criticize your organization’s efforts.

-All feedback is valuable.

-Your organization may also respond back to feedback by improving efforts and/or by refuting feedback.

FreedomOfAssembly

The Freedom of Assembly gives us the right to gather/assemble without fear of the government intruding and without harassment.

This also ties in with freedom of petition. Often, people gather, or assemble, to petition.

Pointers:-Accept that people/groups have the right to assemble in support of or in protest of your product and/or efforts

-Consider what type of feedback the public is offering:

-Is it positive?-Is it negative?

-If your company organizes a petition, be mindful that you are representing your company. You should petition in a professional manner.

Freedom of

Religion

Under the Freedom of Religion, there are two clauses

that the government must follow: Establishment and The

Free Exercise Clause. According to the Establishment

Clause, it permits the government from establishing an

official religion or preferring one over another. Due to

the Free Exercise Clause, the government cannot

interfere with a person practicing his or her religion, but

religious actions and rituals can be limited by civil and

federal laws. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sSQmqzU1cnk

Pointers:-Be mindful that employees’ religious viewpoints may differ from yours.

-Be respectful of others’ religions.

-In the workplace, maintain a professional attitude. Do not insult other religions.

FreedomOfPetition

United States Citizens have the right to

petition Congress, state

government/legislatures, and

courts at any level.

Example: United States and King George III

Pointers:-Before deciding to petition for/against a cause, consider the possible repercussions.

-In the instance of a petition, remember that you are representing your corporation.

-Don’t do anything to create a negative image for your corporation.

Consider This:The First Amendment grants us these five freedoms; however, as an

corporation, you must exercise these freedoms wisely.

~• THINK before acting out in any situations.

• You always want to make your organization look good.• Don’t make impulse decisions.

• Represent your company well, in a professional manner.~

Just like you have these freedoms, so does every other U.S. citizen. Acknowledge and respect their freedoms as well.

Sources:

-http://members.mobar.org/civics/FreetoAssemble.htm

-http://www.illinoisfirstamendmentcenter.com/history.php

-http://teachingamericanhistory.org/convention/

-http://civilliberty.about.com/od/firstamendment/f/first_amendment.htm

Pictures:

-http://www.morningconstitution.net/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/First-Amendment.jpg

-http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Xn_O-mM2sFk/TPMGdv313EI/AAAAAAAAD00/LYzUeN0z-CU/s1600/wikileaks.jpg

-http://images-mediawiki-sites.thefullwiki.org/11/3/4/0/77707154078366265.jpg

-http://mysticmoonllc.com/catalog/images/freedom%20religion.jpg

-http://kenniem.files.wordpress.com/2010/09/free-speech.jpg

-http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3264/2571369755_e49fc3ab30.jpg