【美国精神】第6期

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Explanation:

    Americans have a lot of freedom to say what they want, to believe what they want, and to get the government to do what they want. These and other rights (or freedoms) are found in the First Amendment¹ to the Constitution. The First Amendment guarantees (or protects) freedom of speech, freedom of religion, freedom of assembly, freedom of the press, and the right to petition² the government. Let’s talk about each one of these.

    Freedom of speech means that American citizens are allowed to say whatever they want to about ideas or people. They can say, for example, that they hate the President, or that they think that some laws are unfair. There are, however, some limitations, or things that are not allowed, and that the law does not protect. For example, people can’t talk about assassinating³ (or killing) the President of the United States.

    Freedom of religion is one of the most important freedoms in the First Amendment. The first Europeans came to North America because they were being persecuted⁴ (or attacked as a group) in England because of their religious beliefs. The First Amendment says that Americans can follow any religion, or no religion at all. It protects Americans in their religious practices (or actions related to religion).

    Freedom of assembly gives Americans the right to join (or become a member of) any group, political party, club, or organization. You do not need the government’s permission (or approval) to join an organization or to meet as a group.

    Freedom of the press is another very important freedom in the United States. “The press” means news organizations, such as newspapers, television stations, radio stations, and websites. These news sources are allowed to say or write whatever they want to, whether it is in support of or against the government or any specific person.

    Finally, the right to petition the government means that if the government does something that hurts you, you can complain and try to force the government to fix the problem or give you something in return for the grievance⁵ (or the thing that was wrong).

 

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