Staff Writer, R. Patrick Chapman
Bill of Rights / Polls______________________________________
The State of the First Amendment: 2014 is a report about how Americans view the entire First Amendment, if some of them knew what that was.
When asked to name the five specific freedoms in the First Amendment, 68% of Americans name freedom of speech, followed by 29% who say the freedom of religion, 14% mention the freedom of the press, 7% mention the right to assemble, and 1% name the right to petition. Twenty-nine percent of those surveyed cannot name any of the rights guaranteed by the First Amendment.
Those who could name freedom of speech and freedom of religion increased this year from 59% to 68% and 24% to 29% respectively. Meanwhile, the knowledge of right to petition and right of assembly decreased from 4% to 1% and 11% to 7% respectively. The percentage of Americans who can’t name any First Amendment rights dropped from 36% to 29%.
The deprogramming of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness must be working, but to combat this limited perspective, here is the First Amendment:
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.
Memorize it, there might be a quiz later.
Source: Newseum, US Constitution
