Read: 'We have freedom of speech in the United States.' What does this mean?

FREEDOM OF SPEECH is one of the five freedoms protected by the FIRST AMENDMENT and appears on the USCIS CIVICS VOCABULARY list. Freedom of speech means: citizens can express opinions, criticize the government, and share ideas WITHOUT fear of government punishment; the government cannot imprison or fine people for what they say or write (with specific limited exceptions like incitement to imminent violence, true threats, etc.). Reading test sentences: 'We have freedom of speech.' 'People have freedom of speech.' 'We can say what we think.' 'Americans have the right to speak freely.' RELATED FIRST AMENDMENT FREEDOMS (all on reading vocabulary): Freedom of RELIGION; Freedom of the PRESS (newspapers, media); Freedom of ASSEMBLY (peaceful gathering); Freedom to PETITION (ask the government to change things). ALL FIVE from a single amendment of the Constitution ratified in 1791 as part of the Bill of Rights. READING TEST TIP: The word 'speech' on the reading test is always about the freedom to express yourself — never about a formal speech given at a podium.