Essay On The First Amendment

The First Amendment gave the people of the United States core rights. Citizens have the freedom of religion, freedom of speech, freedom of press, right to peacefully assemble, and right to petition the government. In further detail, the government cannot enforce a religion upon its citizens, for they have the right to follow whatever religion or no religion that they wish. Laws cannot be made by the government that prohibit citizens from voicing their opinions. The press is permitted to publish and circulate news. Citizens have the right to gather in groups with common goals and interests without the interference of the government. Finally, if citizens do not agree with the choices made by their government, they can express their concern through …show more content…
Historicism argues that the interpretation of the first amendment can be controversial. The balancing theory is all about the balance. Free speech is based upon analysis of cost and benefit to society and is balanced against a competing interest. The authoritarian theory states that the higher authority controls speech, the press, and the media. The soviet communist theory is followed by communist nations such as China, Cuba, and North Korea. It believes that the media should be extensions of the state and portray the political parties views. Cohesiveness and unity is a priority for this theory. The libertarian theory states that the government should not interfere with the life of the citizens, but rather the press should act as the messenger to the people of the government’s actions. Social responsibility is fearful that the libertarian’s theory would allow for the press to potentially have too much power over the citizens. That is why self regulation of the media is a considered a responsibility. Our rights to express ourselves are protected by the first amendment, yet they are being challenged by the same government that granted us