Rights and responsibilities of citizens. How do Americans use the protections of the First Amendment to the US Constitution without violating the rights of others? What does the controversy between President Trump and the NFL players show about this issue? – Answer these questions throughout the essay: ORDER YOUR PAPER NOW
The Rights and Responsibilities of Citizens
The citizens of United States just like any other country, pride themselves on their constitution. A good understanding of the constitution leads to harmonious living among the citizens as they are aware of the set boundaries. The First Amendment in the United States Constitution grants the citizens four significant freedoms; freedom of religion, speech, assembly an petition. It majorly covers the freedom of religion and free expression. The Amendment bars the Congress from establishing national religion laws which impede the free practice of religion, interfering with the freedom of speech, infringing upon the press freedom, denying the freedom of free assembly and inhibiting citizens from petitioning to the government. At times, the citizens misinterpret the First Amendment to think that it guarantees some rights which in the real sense are a violation of the amendment (Willingham). Essentially, the rights in the First Amendment come with equal responsibilities. The citizens are expected to use the protections stated in the Amendment while still accommodating the rights of fellow citizens.
Understanding the responsibilities attached to the rights outlined in the First Amendment is key in ensuring that one does not violate the other citizen’s rights. As much as people may say whatever they want to say (freedom of speech), they are not allowed to indulge in thoughtless speech (Willingham). This guards what people say in public. For instance, if a person enters a crowded hall and yells ‘fire’ falsely, he or she will be held accountable for the potential injuries as a result of the thoughtless utterance. Similarly, citizens show respect to all religions as no religion is superior to the other. Everyone is free to choose the religion to follow without any coercion.
The First Amendment allows for free speech (both at personal and press levels). This implies that everyone is free to air out their opinion. Hence, one voice ought not to be allowed to drown all the others (Willingham). Similarly, the right to speech does not surpass the sense of humanity: End of Preview: ORDER YOUR PAPER NOW