In the United States, freedom of speech, freedom of the press, the right of people to assemble peaceably and the right to petition the government are protected by law.

These freedoms allow Americans to make changes and progress as a nation.

“The whole world can see how we have tough debates,” Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo said in his remarks to the Copenhagen Democracy Summit June 19. “But that struggle reflects commitment to fundamental values and our constant striving towards a more perfect union.”