What does it mean to petition the government for redress of grievances?

[RadiationTherapy]

I don't think I understand this part of the first amendment.

[notesdev]

1. It means if you don't like what the government does

you have a right to tell them that and they cannot retaliate or punish you for it.

[RadiationTherapy]

2. Thank you. That is important, but not what I thought.

[RedCrayons]

3. The right to petition

It means that you can complain to Congress, or the President, or your state legislators and they can't punish you for it or in any way stop you from complaining. It's an old right, dating back to the Magna Carta.

It does not mean that the government has to respond to your complaint to your satisfaction or even acknowledge that they read or heard your words.

The right to petition ensures a voice for those who are not in power (for example, if you don't own a TV station or if you don't give lots of money to politicians.) It also ensures, however, a voice for professional lobbyists.

The use of the right to petition for redress of grievances is a popular tool among extremist groups. No one is stopping them from writing or visiting with their representatives, but they feel empowered by merely invoking a Constitutional right.

JJ MacNab
http://www.redcrayons.net
New on Facebook: Bombs, Taxes, and Red Crayons

[RadiationTherapy]

4. Thanks.