Amendment I: Freedoms, Petitions, Assembly The First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution protects the freedom of speech, religion and the press. It protects the right to peaceful protest and petition the government. The amendment was adopted in 1791 with nine other amendments thus making up the Bill of Rights. The meaning of the First Amendment has been a subject of continuing interpretation and dispute over the years. The freedom of speech gives United States citizens the right to express themselves without the worry of government interference. Freedom of press is similar to freedom of speech, but allows people to express themselves through publication. Freedom of religion, prohibits the government from establishing a “state” religion. It also …show more content…
The second amendment states, “a well regulated militia, being necessary to the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms, shall not be infringed.” Amendment XVIII : Alcohol Prohibition The 18th amendment, also known as the Volstead Act, states that any alcohol except those used for medical or religious purposes are banned. This was ratified on January 16, 1919 and took effect the next year. This amendment did not work well to many, as many started illegal bars where you have to have a code to get in and they were made and hidden in the back of restaurants or alleys. These were not likely to be caught due to the fact the people in charge technically did not have the rights to do anything about it and it was not their job anyway. The U.S. Treasury Department was in charge of enforcing the new laws, however, it did not do much as many still got away with it. Seeing as it was not working, it was repelled laster by the 21th amendment, stating alcohol is allowed again 13 years later. Amendment XIX : Women’s Rights To Vote The 19th amendment states that women can vote for who they want as