Before the late 1800s the United States did not seriously involve itself in overseas expansion largely because it

The USA  was primarily concerned with westward expansion and internal problems.

Explanation:

freedom of speech is also protected by the 1 amendment.

explanation:

here is pretty much what the 1st amendment says:

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.

the intolerable acts were punitive laws passed by the british parliament in 1774 after the boston tea party. in great britain, these laws were referred to as the coercive acts.