The United States was founded on a commitment to individual freedom, including the freedom to hold critical views of the government. In the view of the nation's founders, the main purpose of government was to protect individual rights and liberties. Several of the major components of the freedom of expression guaranteed by the Bill of Rights include freedom of religion, freedom of speech and press, freedom of expression and national security, and freedom of assembly and petition. However, an individual's rights can be exercised only to the extent that they do not limit the rights of others. Internet Activities Click on Internet Activities to the left for help in completing the Chapter Review Activity on page 515 of your textbook. In this activity you will learn about First Amendment issues.

Opponents of women's suffrage exercising their right to petition. Courtesy Library of Congress.