The First Amendment of the US Constitution protects five basic freedoms: freedom of religion, freedom of speech, freedom of the press, freedom of assembly, and freedom to petition the government. It prohibits the government from making laws that respect an establishment of religion or restrict the free exercise of religion. It also guarantees free speech, a free press, the right to peacefully assemble, and the right to petition the government. The First Amendment applies restrictions on the federal government and some restrictions on state governments according to Supreme Court rulings.

1. First Amendment: Freedom of Religion, Speech, Press, Assembly, and Petition Congress should 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.