"I don't agree with what you say, but I will defend your right to say it."

The First Amendment protects the natural rights of Americans. It covers the right to freedom of religion, free speech, freedom of the press, and the rights to peaceably assemble and petition the government for redress of grievances.

We almost didn't get a Bill of Rights. Some Framers thought spelling out certain rights would make people (including the government) believe these were the only rights individuals had. Others wanted to provide the government with a clear list of things they could not infringe.

We can see our First Amendment rights at work all around us today. These rights matter. In fact, they're critical to a functioning, self-governing society. Learn more about our natural rights protected by the First Amendment!