The First Amendment: Simplified

Congress shall make no law respecting…

An establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof

Congress can’t stop anyone from starting a new religion or practicing a religion

Abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press

Congress can’t stop people from saying what they want, and they can’t tell the media (news) what to say.

The right of the people to peaceably assemble

Congress can’t stop people from getting together in large groups with a common goal.

To petition the Government for a redress of grievances

Congress can’t stop people from getting together to say that the Government is doing a bad job.

“from Texas v. Johnson Majority Opinion”: Simplified

Lines 1-6 (pg. 15)

• We, the Supreme Court, have decided that the flag IS included in the First Amendment.

• The government wants people to treat the flag with respect, but we may NOT criminally punish a person for burning the flag for a political protest.

Lines 7-13

• Quoted: The government may try to persuade people to be patriotic, or the government may demonstrate it. But that’s not the issue.

• The issue is whether the government can force people, as with what happened with Gregory Lee Johnson, to be patriotic.

Lines 14-25• We feel good about our decision because forbidding

criminal punishment for disrespecting the flag won’t make people feel differently about it. People will still love the flag, and the flag will still inspire people.

• Justice Holmes said that Johnson was a single citizen, and he alone can’t destroy the special meaning of the flag.

• Texas thought that it would cause riots and terrible stuff.

• But people are upset and rioting BECAUSE the flag was burned. (That shows that people still care.)

Lines 25-36• We actually believe that because of our decision,

people will love the flag more. • Our decision represents the freedom and the

welcoming reputation that the flag symbolizes. (Think Statue of Liberty)

• And, it also shows America’s belief that our ability to let citizens complain shows how strong we are.

• For example, our national anthem depicts our flag surviving the battle at Fort McHenry.

• We are demonstrating our country’s ability to bounce back, to not be stubborn.

Lines 37-39

• We can make sure the flag stays special by convincing people that they are wrong for believing otherwise.