> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://america-250.mintlify.site/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# First Amendment

> Freedom of Religion, Speech, Press, Assembly, and Petition

<Note>
  Passed by Congress September 25, 1789. Ratified December 15, 1791. The first 10 amendments form the Bill of Rights
</Note>

## Text of the 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.

## Interpretations & Debate

The National Constitution Center publishes interpretive essays from leading constitutional scholars across the political spectrum exploring different clauses of the First Amendment.

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Establishment Clause" icon="scale-balanced" href="https://constitutioncenter.org/the-constitution/amendments/amendment-i/interpretations/264">
    Read interpretations of the Establishment Clause.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Free Exercise Clause" icon="scale-balanced" href="https://constitutioncenter.org/the-constitution/amendments/amendment-i/interpretations/265">
    Read interpretations of the Free Exercise Clause.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Free Speech and Press" icon="scale-balanced" href="https://constitutioncenter.org/the-constitution/amendments/amendment-i/interpretations/266">
    Read interpretations of the Free Speech and Press.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Assembly and Petition" icon="scale-balanced" href="https://constitutioncenter.org/the-constitution/amendments/amendment-i/interpretations/267">
    Read interpretations of the Assembly and Petition.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

## Source

Adapted from the [National Constitution Center](https://constitutioncenter.org/the-constitution/amendments/amendment-i), which provides the canonical text and scholarly interpretations of the First Amendment.