The First Amendment protects the right of speech, assembly, and press. It protects the right to petition the government and freedom of religion. Democracy works only if people can talk to each other and share their opinions. The First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution protects these rights. The freedom of speech. You are free to think and speak as you want. The freedom to peacefully assemble. You are free to meet with other people in a peaceful way. You are free to protest for what you believe. The freedom of the press. You are free to write or share your opinions in newspapers, magazines, books. Also on the radio, TV shows and the Internet. You are free to petition the government. You have the right to ask the government to change or correct a problem. You have freedom of religion. All people who live in the United States have these rights, not just citizens.