"We hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men are created equal; that they are endowed BY THEIR CREATOR with certain unalienable rights; that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. That to secure these rights, governments are instituted among men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed."
Declaration of Independence
"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."
Amendment 1, passed Sept. 25, 1789.
"No state shall make or enforce any law which shall abridge the privileges or immunities of citizens of the United States; nor shall any state deprive any person of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law, nor deny to any person within its jurisdiction the EQUAL PROTECTION of the laws."
