Your First Amendment Rights.

IMAGINE THAT YOU LIVE in a country where you aren't allowed to say or write what you think. The government controls what websites you can visit, and peacefully voicing your opinions can land you in jail. Thankfully, that isn't how things work in the United States. Many of our basic rights are protected by the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. Here's a breakdown of the freedoms it preserves.

The First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution

"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."

Freedom of Religion

The First Amendment guarantees that Americans can practice any religion they choose--or none at all. It also prevents the government from establishing an official religion.

Freedom of the Press

Americans can publish information and opinions without fear of having it censored by the government. This isn't the case in many other countries. In China, for example, the nation's Communist government strictly controls the flow of information. It often shuts down websites to prevent people from reading articles that are critical of the government.

Freedom to Petition the Government

To petition means to make a formal reguest. Americans can exercise...