Library of Congress
Loc: Religion and the State Governments
This site from the Library of Congress is an essay describing the state responses to religion after independence was declared.
Other
Swarthmore College: Pennsylvania Charter of Privileges
Read an excerpt of William Penn's Charter of Privileges- an early manifestation of religious freedom later to be enshrined in the U.S. Bill of Rights- that isolates the provisions Penn made for the free practice of religion in the colony.
American Rhetoric
American Rhetoric: Robert La Follette: Senate Address:"free Speech in War Time"
This is the text of Robert La Follette's speech to the Senate, "Free Speech in War Time" delivered on October 6, 1917, in the U.S. Senate Chamber, in Washington, D.C.
TED Talks
Ted: Ted Ed: How to Turn Protest Into Powerful Change
We live in an age of protest. On campuses, in public squares, on streets and social media, protestors around the world are challenging the status quo. But while protest is often necessary, is it sufficient? Eric Liu outlines three...
University of Missouri
Exploring Constitutional Conflicts: Regulation of Fighting Words and Hate Speech
Explore the constitutional conflict regarding the question of whether the first amendment limits the government's ability to regulate fighting words or hateful speech? This source contains background information and links to historical...
Annenberg Foundation
Annenberg Learner: American Passages: Spirit of Nationalism: Jonathan Edwards
This is a brief biography of seventeenth century minister and missionary Jonathan Edwards who documented his sermons. Click on "Jonathan Edwards Activities" for more resources.
Read Works
Read Works: Don't Know Much About Liberty
[Free Registration/Login Required] Students read about the freedoms guaranteed by the First Amendment to the Constitution. A question sheet is available to help students build skills in classifying and categorizing.
Center For Civic Education
Center for Civic Education: What Responsibilities Accompany Our Rights?
These are discussion topics to incorporate into your instructional activity on rights and responsibilities of citizens. Features questions to encourage debates or essay ideas. Also includes lesson plans.
US Department of State
U.s. Dept. Of State: Afghanistan: International Religious Freedom Report
Essay on the status of religious freedom in Afghanistan as of 2001. The repression practiced by the Taliban is described in detail. A note at the end explains that the most up-to-date information is not available as there has been no...
University of Missouri
Exploring Constitutional Conflicts: Exploring Constitutional Law
Although the Constitution is the supreme law of the land, its interpretation is open to many opinions, causing great controversies. Students can read the Constitution as well as the many issues that surround the document. If that proves...
Library of Congress
Loc: America's Story: Roger Williams
Highlights the life of Roger Williams, his defense of religious freedom in Boston, and the foundation of Rhode Island. Offers photographs of several important parts of his life.
University of Missouri
Exploring Constitutional Conflicts: Marsh v Chambers, u.s. Supreme Court
Chief Justice Burger's majority opinion in the case of MARSH vs. CHAMBERS, 463 U.S. 783 (1983). The case dealt with whether an opening prayer in the Nebraska Legislature violated the First Amendment.
PBS
Pbs Teachers: Church and State Separation: Challenge and Debate (Lesson Plan)
Describes the elements of the U.S. Constitution's First Amendment as it relates to the separation of church and state and freedom of religion. Speculates on the probable constitutional issues associated with the separation of church and...
Other
Freedom Forum: First Amendment Struggles & Triumphs
Find out how the First Amendment serves citizens in real life by reading about Daniel Ellsberg, Mary Beth Tinker, and Alton T. Lemon, all of whom were principal litigants in landmark Supreme Court cases regarding the freedom of expression.
PBS
Pbs News Hour Extra: Anniversary of September 11 Highlights Attitude Toward Islam
Two controversies surround an anniversary of the September 11 attacks: plans to burn a Koran and plans to build a mosque near Ground Zero. These instances can serve as examples in the debate over religious freedom and religious tolerance...
Colonial Williamsburg Foundation
I Citizen Forum: Living Documents: Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom
Complete text, in multiple languge formats, of the Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom.
National Women's Hall of Fame
National Women's Hall of Fame: Mary Barret Dyer
Inducted into the Women's Hall of Fame in 2000, Mary Barret Dyer was hung in 1660 for preaching Quakerism.
Other
The Pluralism Project at Harvard University
The Pluralism Project addresses and educates people about religious diversity. Discover all about the variety of religions practiced in the United States, data from research, videos, articles, and many more resources.
C3 Teachers
C3 Teachers: Inquiries: First Amendment
A learning module on the First Amendment. It includes several supporting questions accompanied by formative tasks and source materials, followed by a summative performance task. Students explore how the First Amendment applies in the...
Other
Religions in Australia
An easy to read chart with the numbers and percentages for religious preferences in Australia.
Other
First Amendment Center
This First Amendment site, partly news and partly background, contains information related to all the aspects of the freedoms outlined in the First Amendment.
Library of Virginia
Virginia Memory: Constitution Day Activities: Middle and High 2
What would life be like without the freedoms of speech, press, religion, assembly, and the right to petition?
PBS
Pbs News Hour Extra: Supreme Court Considers Free Speech and Protests
Hateful as these actions may seem to many people, do groups still have the right to protest under the First Amendment? Read about the case that the Supreme Court is considering involving protests at a military funeral.
The Washington Post
Washington Post: With Protest, Nfl Player Is Exercising His Rights
The San Francisco 49ers backup QB, Colin Kaepernick, is making waves with his knee during the National Anthem.