Significance of the First Amendment

The first amendment of the United States Constitution protects the right of freedom of expression from government interference. This important constitutional right extends to the media as freedom of expression consists of the rights to freedom of speech and press, amongst others. The First Amendment states, “Congress shall make no law…abridging the freedom of speech or of the press” (Vivian). The first amendments significance with speech and press allows the media the privilege as well as the obligation to inform the mass audiences of issues that may concern them about the government. These issues are usually sensitive in nature which makes them all the more important to communicate to the masses. Free speech and free press has been the backbone of our democracy and will continue to be if the government does not tamper with it. The government however through the years has set some boundaries and limitations on what can be reported on by the media and press to us which they feel is in the best interest of the general public. However, critics of this feel that it is counterproductive in terms of keeping the citizens of the U.S. informed and able to form their own decisions on the issues.