First Amendment — Freedom of Speech

What it means

The First Amendment bars the government from punishing most speech or restricting expression. Narrow categories like incitement, true threats, obscenity, and defamation may be regulated. These limits apply to government actors, not private companies.

Why you care

Shows up in protests, public‑school or government‑employee discipline, and when officials try to remove or promote posts online. It helps define what the state can regulate versus what private platforms can moderate on their own.

What people think

• Conservative: Free speech includes protecting unpopular or offensive opinions.
• Moderate: Support broad free speech but allow limits on harmful or dangerous speech.
• Progressive: Free speech should be balanced with protecting marginalized groups from harm.

Connected topics

• Free Speech