Our Founding Fathers cemented our right to free speech in the First Amendment. Having just overthrown a tyrannical king, they knew our emerging democracy could only survive if people could protest and criticize their leaders without risk of government persecution.

Free speech doesn’t mean the words you choose have no consequences — you could lose friends, customers or your invitation to Thanksgiving dinner. But it is a violation of the U.S. Constitution if the government uses its heavy hand to punish you for your opinions.

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