In the U.S. Constitution, the Bill of Rights guarantees individual freedoms. Specifically, the 1st Amendment guarantees the freedom of petition, meaning one has the right to petition the government directly for changes to laws or policies. For example, some leaders may need to petition for their name to be included on an election ballot, showing that his candidacy is supported by the will of the people. Others may sign petitions recommending that the government take certain public policy actions.
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LOC Resource
LOC Title
Creating the United States: Demand for the Bill of Rights
LOC Short Description
This online exhibit tells the history of the Bill of Rights through various objects from the Library of Congress.
LOC Title
Creating the United States: Bill of Rights Legacy
LOC Short Description
This site uses objects from the Library of Congress to track moments when the Bill of Rights has entered public conversation.
LOC Title
The Civil Rights Act of 1964: A Long Struggle for Freedom
LOC Short Description
This exhibit demonstrates a long history of African Americans petitioning for their rights as citizens.