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Lesson 30: How Does the First Amendment Protect Freedom to Assemble, Petition, and Associate?

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Lesson Purpose

The previous lesson examined the First Amendment protection of speech and press. This lesson focuses on &quot;the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.&quot; It examines the importance and historical background of these rights. It also discusses an important related right?the freedom to associate.<br />
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When you have finished this lesson, you should be able to explain the importance of the rights to assemble, petition, and associate. You also should be able to describe the history of these rights and when they can be limited. Finally, you should be able to evaluate, take, and defend positions relating to the exercise of these three rights.

Lesson Objectives

When you have finished this lesson, you should  be able to
  • explain the importance of the rights to assemble, petition, and associate,
  • describe the history of these rights and when they can be limited, and
  • evaluate, take, and defend positions relating to the exercise of these three rights.

Lesson Terms

gag rule
Any rule restricting open discussion or debate on a particular issue.
public forum
right to assemble
right to associate
right to petition

Lesson Biographies

King, Martin Luther, Jr. (1929-1968 CE)

Lesson Court Cases

Hague v. Congress of Industrial Organization (1939)
Feiner v. New York (1951)
Barenblatt v. United States (1959)
Edwards v. South Carolina (1963)
NAACP v. Button (1963)
NAACP v. Alabama (1964)
Rotary International v. Rotary Club of Duarte (1987)
Ward v. Rock Against Racism (1989)
Board of Education of Westside Community Schools v. Mergens (1990)
Ladue v. Gilleo (1994)
Madsen v. Women
Hurley v. Irish American GLIB Society (1995)
Boy Scouts of America v. Dale (2000)
Buckley v. American Constitutional Law Foundation (1999)
Watchtower Bible & Tract Society of New York v. Village of Stratton (2002)

Lesson Primary Sources

English Translation of Magna Carta

English translation of Magna Carta

Access the Material

Virginia Declaration of Rights
Bill of Rights, as submitted for ratification
A resolution of House of Commons, 1669
Equal Access Act of 1984
Tocqueville--Democracy in America, 1835, 1840
Habeas Corpus Act 1679
Abolition of Star Chamber
English Bill of Rights 1689
The Constitution of Massachusetts 1780
Magna Carta
Massachusetts Body of Liberties, 1641
Petition of Right
United States Bill of Rights
United States Constitution
Ohio Constitution of 1803
Constitution of the State of Alaska 1956
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