The freedom of speech is the first amendment to the constitution of the United States of America. It was ratified on December 15, 1791, and its lead author was James Madison. This amendment most prominently represents and aligns with the common phrase used in the Declaration of Independence: “Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness”. This amendment recognizes the protection of all United States citizens’ freedom of speech, press, practice of religion, and the ability to demand requests to the government.
The settlers of the United States in colonial times came from various religious and cultural backgrounds, and had been forced to flee from countries in Europe where they faced religious persecution and overall discrimination. Thus, the First Amendment became the first step in establishing the rhetoric of the “land of the free” that America is meant to uphold. This became especially prominent after the American Revolution, and America’s acquisition of independence.
In addition, the Freedom of Speech can be an incredibly positive freedom. By allowing people to freely express their beliefs and ideas, this creates an environment based on openness and societal change. It is seen as a basic human right that when ignored is known to cause backlash and retaliation. By practicing the public’s right to freedom of speech, everyone is able to express their thoughts and ideals without fear of things like censorship.
However, the positives of this amendment overlook the many drawbacks. For instance, the Freedom of Speech includes the freedom to speak freely meaning spread hate speech and offensive information. When the practice of one’s freedom of speech is seen as hateful to certain groups, this does not allow for the openness and societal growth that the amendment is meant to provide. For instance, in 1977, in Sokie, Illinois, a neo-Nazi group had the desire to march through the town. The town was home to many Holocaust survivors, and the group justified their march with the First Amendment though it was incredibly offensive to the residents of the town.
From the time of the United States acquisition of Independence, the meaning of the Freedom of Speech has grown and changed with the country. Rulings by the Supreme Court have produced limitations to the amendment including things like defamation, threats, and the structure of protests. However, though the First Amendment is ever changing, it represents one of the pillars of democracy that the country was built on.
https://www.reaganlibrary.gov/constitutional-amendments-amendment-1-freedom-speech