Does it bother you when our Constitution is misquoted? It sure gets under my skin. The lack of civics education is once again showing up in America. Over the weekend, we heard the twisting of the First Amendment to say something it doesn’t say about protesting. For example, we heard something like this: “The U.S. Constitution allows free speech, assembly, and protest. No time limit is given, so we can protest any time.” (This is untrue. Actually, local governments can require permits and set time/place restrictions for public demonstrations).
What the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution Says
“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.”
When we read the text, what does it say about protesting?
1. Congress can’t establish a law that abridges your freedom of speech or of the press.
2. We the People have the right to what? PEACEABLY assemble.
3. We the People can petition (not bomb, burn, or use any type of weapon against) the Government to set right a situation that is unfair in our opinion.
Using Webster’s 1828 dictionary, which is closest to the language of our Founders, let’s clarify a few word meanings:
Abridge- to lessen, to diminish
Peaceably- without disturbance; quietly; without agitation; without interruption; without war
Petition- A formal request or supplication, verbal or written; particularly, a written supplication from an inferior to a superior, either to a single person clothed with power, or to a legislative or other body, soliciting some favor, grant, right, or mercy.
Discover the Meaning of the Law
I didn’t consult the politician, the press, or the professor to understand what the Constitution says. I opened up a copy of the U.S. Constitution and read the First Amendment. Then I used a dictionary in the language of our Founders to look up the meanings of the words in the First Amendment.
Apply and Defend the Law
Read the exact words of the First Amendment, consult period definitions when helpful, and insist upon civic literacy: our rights protect peaceful petition and assembly, not violence or lawlessness—so let’s defend the Constitution by learning what it actually says and encouraging others to do the same.
This is Common Sense Civics and Citizenship. 🇺🇸
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