The Right To Petition The Government
"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 to
peaceably assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances." - Amendment I
The U.S. Constitution
This week we're looking at the final right in the first amendment- the right to petition the government.
This right may be a little confusing because of the uncommon words, so I'll break it down bit by bit.
First, "petition" is "something asked or requested" -Merriam Webster Dictionary. By the same
source, "Redress" is a "relief from distress". Lastly, "grievance" is defined by Dictionary.com as
"a wrong considered as grounds for complaint, or something believed to cause distress". So, in
different words, this right is the right to request for relief from wrong or distress. We are meant to be
in communication with our government, to respectfully encourage and discourage our politicians.
The government exists because the citizens placed it there and allow it to remain. So next time you
see a grievance in America, let your legislators and other politicians know! Yet it must be clear that
you should always be respectful and polite. I am not telling you it's good to yell at anyone!All people
should be treated with respect, and there are no exceptions. There is a way to get your opinion across
respectfully. You can write a clear and polite letter or e-mail or make a phone call. The Constitution
has your back when you petition your government for a redress of any grievance.
exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people to
peaceably assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances." - Amendment I
The U.S. Constitution
This week we're looking at the final right in the first amendment- the right to petition the government.
This right may be a little confusing because of the uncommon words, so I'll break it down bit by bit.
First, "petition" is "something asked or requested" -Merriam Webster Dictionary. By the same
source, "Redress" is a "relief from distress". Lastly, "grievance" is defined by Dictionary.com as
"a wrong considered as grounds for complaint, or something believed to cause distress". So, in
different words, this right is the right to request for relief from wrong or distress. We are meant to be
in communication with our government, to respectfully encourage and discourage our politicians.
The government exists because the citizens placed it there and allow it to remain. So next time you
see a grievance in America, let your legislators and other politicians know! Yet it must be clear that
you should always be respectful and polite. I am not telling you it's good to yell at anyone!All people
should be treated with respect, and there are no exceptions. There is a way to get your opinion across
respectfully. You can write a clear and polite letter or e-mail or make a phone call. The Constitution
has your back when you petition your government for a redress of any grievance.
Just read them all, and they were great. I learned some things. I especially like how you have them organized, it makes it clear, understandable, and easy to read. You are very talented! Alisa Glinisty
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