Defining Documents in American History: The First Amendment offers in-depth analysis of 66 primary source documents, tracing the rights defined in the First Amendment and their evolution throughout the history of the United States, from 1637 to the present day. These include book excerpts, speeches, political debates, testimony, court rulings, legal texts, legislative acts, essays, newspaper and magazine articles, and interviews. The first volume of this set focuses on the early definition and role of the First Amendment, and themes such as freedom of religion, freedom of speech, and freedom of the press. The second volume dedicated to themes such as freedom of assembly, the First Amendment and education, and the First Amendment in times of crisis. These documents, and more, provide an overview of the history and contemporary issues surrounding freedom of speech, religion, press, assembly, and the right to petition the government in America in the past and the present.