Difference between revisions of "First Amendment"

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(Conservative Interpretation)
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== Conservative Interpretation ==
 
== Conservative Interpretation ==
Liberals often focus on the so-called "establishment" clause, in noting that the federal government cannot endorse or establish a church.  However, liberals often overlook the clause explicitly allowing for the free exercise of religion.  Conservatives argue that this clause can be interpreted to allow much more leeway to the majority of religious Americans than liberals currently allow.
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Liberals often focus on the so-called "[[establishment clause]]", in noting that the federal government cannot endorse or establish a church.  However, liberals often overlook the clause explicitly allowing for the free exercise of religion.  Conservatives argue that this clause can be interpreted to allow much more leeway to the majority of religious Americans than liberals currently allow.
  
 
[[Category: Constitution]]
 
[[Category: Constitution]]

Revision as of 20:42, September 19, 2007

Amendments -- 1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8-9-10-11-12-13-14-15-16-17-18-19-20-21-22-23-24-25-26-27

The First Amendment to the Constitution of the United States of America 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.

This is generally taken as a limitation on the power of the federal goverment with respect to:

  1. freedom of religion
  2. free speech
  3. freedom of the press
  4. peaceful assembly
  5. political activism

Conservative Interpretation

Liberals often focus on the so-called "establishment clause", in noting that the federal government cannot endorse or establish a church. However, liberals often overlook the clause explicitly allowing for the free exercise of religion. Conservatives argue that this clause can be interpreted to allow much more leeway to the majority of religious Americans than liberals currently allow.