Read these words from the first amendment to the constitution. 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 peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances. this amendment gives citizens the right to bear arms against the government. establish a national religion. influence their representatives’ decisions. vote in elections.