Self-Actualization

Individuality

"The First Amendment guarantees our right to free expression and free association, which means that the government does not have the right to forbid us from saying what we like and writing what we like;" This definition of First Amendment freedoms comes from the American Civil Liberties Union and suggests how citizens of the United States are free to express their beliefs without prior restraint from the government. 

There are eight values of free expression that sum up the First Amendment that are all equally important. Each value represents ways that the First Amendment improves the country as a whole. However, if I was forced to chose one value that I believe is the most significant in creating a more efficient society, I would choose the fourth value which states;

Individual Self-Fulfillment (Self-Actualization) - 

"Free speech enables individuals to express themselves and thereby create their own identity - and, in the process perhaps, find kindred spirits. Freedom of speech thus becomes an aspect of human dignity, human agency and autonomy."

This value of free expression emphasizes how the government has no right to tell you how to live your life and how to represent yourself in society. By creating your own "identity" you are unrestricted and liberated to speak, dress, act, and write as you feel you are compelled to. 

In relation to this freedom, the Supreme Court struck down a law recently in Minnesota that prohibited voters from wearing T-shirts, hats and buttons expressing political views at polling places. The courts recognized that Minnesota's law was not "capable of reasoned application". The state's view on the matter was that the prevention of this apparel would provide voters with "an orderly and controlled environment without confusion, interference or distraction" However, a group challenged on the grounds of free speech violation. 

After discussing my take on the significance of this particular value, a classmate of mine disagreed. Her thoughts concluded that the fifth value was the most important which states; 

Check on Governmental Power (watchdog role) - 

"As Watergate, Irangate, Clintongate and all the other "gates" demonstrate, freedom of the press enables citizens to learn about the abuses of power - and then do something about the abuse at the ballot box if they feel so moved. We, along with the press, are part of the check-and-balance system to restrain government power and abuse of power." 

Her reasoning for why this value was so powerful was because we as citizens are critical in the governmental process. The United States of America is the only place where the people can stand their ground and speak up for what they believe in and are actually being heard. In other governments if the people disagreed and spoke to their officials, they would be dead. It is crucial that the American people use this checking power to ensure what the government is doing is in the countries best interest.