2006-07-18 18:30:02 · 7 answers · asked by Gothic Martha™ 6 in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
Thanks for the note, Edna. I think I will be all right.
2006-07-18 19:01:44 · update #1
It depends on how you define freedom. Depending on that definition it either begins with the Constitution itself "establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity" or the First Amendment of the Bill of Rights "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances."
2006-07-18 18:36:34 · answer #1 · answered by charmingchatty 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well, the first personal right is granted in Article I Section 2, to elect members of the House of Representatives. That right might be considered a freedom, because it implies the freedom to vote.
Two paragraphs later (still Article I Section 2), the Constitution acknowledges that "free Persons" exist. But it doesn't specifically say who they are.
The first actual freedom (privilege) granted is in Article I Section 6, being the legislative privilege against minor arrest and the Speech and Debate clause. But these only apply to Congressfolk.
The first general freedoms available to anyone are in Article I Section 9: the Writ of Habeas Corpus, and the freedom from Bills of Attainder or Ex Post Facto laws. But they are aren't called freedoms.
Aside from the reference to "free persons" in Article I, the first mention of an actual freedom (first other use of the word "free") is in the 1st Amendment, the Free Exercise clause. The first use of the full word "freedom" is also in the 1st Amendment, as "freedom of speech".
So, as with many things in the law, it depends upon what you mean by "the first freedom granted".
2006-07-19 08:24:41 · answer #2 · answered by coragryph 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Freedom of speech and the press is mentioned in the 1st Amendment.
2006-07-19 01:35:30 · answer #3 · answered by merigold00 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's SPEECH.
The Preamble says life liberty and pursiut of happiness are granted by a higher power...
2006-07-19 02:04:57 · answer #4 · answered by mg 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The freedom to eat as much fast food as I want and turn into a big slobbering fatso who wonders why nobody wants to talk to them and then they just complain all of the time blah blah blah....Or is it the one about voting?
2006-07-19 01:34:33 · answer #5 · answered by mickeycushman 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
life
2006-07-19 01:33:34 · answer #6 · answered by glock509 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I believe it is trial by jury, but I could have forgotten something.
2006-07-19 01:35:09 · answer #7 · answered by trinitytough 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋