The First Amendment Told in Plain English

"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".

The First Amendment which is arguably the very most important amendment and often talked about but not often truly understood. This amendment told in plain English guarantees you the right to "think, feel, and act and even petition against the government without fear of government reprisal". It is important to understand that the The Founding Fathers did not only intend for these ideas to be limited to legislation but as philosophies for every person to live by.

It is also important to understand that every amendment within the Bill of Rights reaffirms the precedent set by the First or provides methods to defend this right. In fact, it is not just a right but the duty of each citizen to defend this right as well.

Why is it important to live by this philosophy? Well think about or imagine a community that is mixed with various religions, atheist, LGBT members, and lifestyles. Each person utilizing their liberty guaranteed to them by constitutional amendments that reaffirms their inherent rights.

In this situation is their right to live their own lives guaranteed to them by the government or by the culture and people who live within this culture? Ultimately it is the culture that truly dictates how people live. You can have any law you want but if it is not respected by the culture it is rendered inert. Of course, you can say that it is the government's responsibility to protect your rights which is absolutely true but be mindful of how much authority the government has over you. These amendments were meant give each citizen a degree of power over the government and not the government power over each individual.

The First also lays out conditions of peace to be followed in the exercise of your rights. Please keep in mind this condition which is so often ignored throughout American history.

And the end of the day, it is my opinion that everyone should take the time to understand their rights and duties as citizens of the United States and that starts with understanding history, the Constitution, and the amendments that follow.