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Photo From: Joe Reynolds - Album: Pines People

Description: Seamus Wilkinson - Most Blessed Sacrament Catholic School

What the First Amendment means to me
By Seamus Wilkinson

The First Amendment is a gift, and the foundation of our freedoms and ways to express ourselves. It gives us our rights to freedom of religion, speech, the press, assembly, and petition, giving us the freedom to speak what we think. This amendment allows people to practice their faith and produces different perspectives and a diverse society. With people not being restricted by their religion, this also means that the government cannot establish an official religion or prevent people from practicing their own faith.

The First Amendment and any Amendment of the United States Constitution must have at least two thirds of both the House of Representatives and the Senate must approve it, or two thirds of the states can ask for an amendment through a convention. After that, three fourths of the states must agree to it, either through their state legislatures or meetings in each state. The 27th Amendment, which deals with how Congress gets paid, is the most recent one, but it was first proposed in 1789 and did not get ratified until May 7, 1992. This shows how hard it is to create or remove an amendment.

The First Amendment guarantees the rights to assembly and petition. This means that people can come together to protest, or support causes they believe in. Throughout history, these rights have played a role in movements for justice and equality. For example, the Civil Rights Movement used peaceful protests to fight for equal rights for African Americans. People have organized protests about issues they care about, such as education or even violence. These rights remind me that even younger people can make a difference when they come together for a cause.
Freedom of the press is another essential part of the First Amendment. This means that journalists and news organizations can report on issues without government interference. This right helps ensure that people stay informed about what is happening in the world. As a student, I rely on social media and the news to learn what is happening in my country, current events, and history. Without freedom of the press, people might only hear one side of a story, and governments could hide the truth. Understanding the importance of this right reminds the news usually has reliable sources of information.

But the greatest part of the First Amendment is freedom of speech. This means that people can express their opinions without fear of punishment from the government. This applies to me because it encourages me to think and share my ideas. In school, I participate in classes about history, literature, and current events. Knowing that I can voice my opinions and my own beliefs. And freedom of speech comes with responsibility. It does not mean I can say anything I want without consequences. Words have power, and they should be used to promote understanding and kindness rather than harm or spread false information. As a student, I see the First Amendment to promote respect and understanding of people and their different beliefs. My school teaches values of kindness, service, and justice.

The idea that everyone should be treated fairly, regardless of their religion or opinions, is the basis of the First Amendment, which allows people to have different viewpoints and still peacefully coexist. It teaches us that while we may not always agree, we should respect others' beliefs.

To conclude the First Amendment is the base of what makes the United States a free country. It protects my right to practice my faith, express my thoughts, learn from the press, and stand up for what I believe in. I see these rights as need to my education and my future. The First Amendment not only allows me to live my daily life with freedom but also the responsibility that comes with your personal rights. It is up to everyone to use our freedoms wisely, to respect others, and to work toward a society that values truth and justice.

Uploaded: 4/10/2025 by Joe Reynolds

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