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.

In the first amendment, there are five freedoms given to the people: Freedom of religion, speech, press, assembly, and petition. Many high schoolers assume that these freedoms only affect those older than them, but they protect all US citizens from the day they can speak.

Freedom of religion allows citizens to practice any religion they please without persecution, therefore allowing institutions such as our own private Christian school.

Freedom of speech is often taken for granted in America. From a young age we learn that we are allowed to say almost anything without major repercussion, so we may forget that freedom is speech is a gift that many nations are not given.

When hearing the phrase ?freedom of press?, many may not even know what it refers to. Freedom of press is the right to print any opinion you have over media (newspaper, television, books, etc.). In countries where this is prohibited, the people have a much more difficult time keeping up with current events, and only hear news from one point of view.

Freedom of assembly may not sound like it directly affects our daily life, but it gives us the right to join together at any time for any reason. This includes everything from gathering at school to the right to protest.

Freedom of petition is the right to make a complaint to the government or petition for change of law without negative consequences. This freedom is very important to Americans, allowing them to petition to make changes for their country.