Identification

Freedom of petition is the right to ask your government to take action, not take action, or rescind a prior action. It is guaranteed to all Americans in the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution: "Congress shall make no law ... abridging ... the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances."

Significance

The right of petition is specifically mentioned in the Declaration of Independence, which also served as an enumeration of the ways in which King George III and the British government had provoked the rebellion: "In every stage of these oppressions, we have petitioned for redress, in the most humble terms; our repeated petitions have been answered only by repeated injury."

Considerations

The freedom of petition gives you the right to write to your congressman and ask for the enactment of a specific law. This helps the congressman understand his or her constituents' needs and desires.

Misconceptions

The freedom of petition is not limited to individuals. Groups, businesses and organizations can ask for legislation that favors them as a group.

Function

The freedom of petition is a key element in a healthy democracy. Citizens' right to communicate with government and to get involved with policy-making fosters governmental responsiveness to the public.

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freedom of petition