First Amendment 101: The Full Series

This is the first video in our series where we break down the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution and explain the five core freedoms it protects: freedom of speech, freedom of religion, freedom of the press, freedom to assemble, and freedom to petition. Learn what these rights really mean, why they matter today, and how they protect your ability to speak out and hold the government accountable.

Is flag burning legal? Can you criticize your school board without getting in trouble? In this second episode of our First Amendment series, we break down the freedom of speech: what it protects, what it doesn’t, and why context matters. From landmark cases like Texas v. Johnson to the limits around incitement, threats, obscenity, and defamation, we explain how courts interpret this foundational right.

What protects journalists from government censorship? What happens when the press uncovers uncomfortable truths? In this episode, we break down freedom of the press — what it means, why it matters, and how it protects both reporters and everyday people. From historical cases like the Pentagon Papers to today’s press freedom battles, we explore the role of the media in keeping power in check and democracy alive.

Picture this: It’s your first day at a new school. You’re still figuring out where to sit and wondering which hallway leads to the cafeteria when your teacher says, “Everyone, bow your heads for prayer.” You don’t practice this religion. You don’t even know the words to the prayer. Now what? Are you supposed to follow along? Can you just stay silent? Can a public-school teacher even say that?

Can you be arrested for holding a sign at a rally, marching with a crowd, or speaking out at a city council meeting? The short answer: you shouldn’t be. But it can be more complicated depending on when, where, and how those actions occur. Let’s break down what the First Amendment actually says about your right to protest and petition the government, why those rights matter, and how they’re being challenged today.