Each year the Freedom Forum conducts a survey on the status of First Amendment awareness. The latest survey is out.
- 95% of those surveyed have heard of the First Amendment
- 90% agree that the First Amendment is important.
- 64% said there should be no change to the First Amendment
However, the number of people who can correctly show the five freedoms within the First Amendment is another story.
From the survey summary: “When asked to name all five freedoms unaided, one in 10 could do so, up from 6% last year. But a quarter of Americans still cannot name even one freedom without prompting.”
Here are the results of American who can identify the five freedoms enumerated in the First Amendment without any assistance:
- 73% Speech
- 37% Religion
- 26% Assembly
- 25% Press
- 13% Petition
Sadly, more people are unaware of how the First Amendment affects their daily lives. This year 28% of the respondents said they could not make the connection between their lives and the First Amendment, up five points from last year.
Read the full report by clicking on the item below.
The Society of Professional Journalists has been one of the prime organizations defending First Amendment rights. This survey offers great opportunities for you to talk with your colleagues about how the First Amendment is seen in the United States and maybe come up with ways to develop a better understanding of the rights included in it. And while you are at it, talk about maybe joining the SPJ to help in this struggle.