ABSTRACT
The First Amendment speaks in strikingly absolute terms: "Congress shall make no law abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press." The First Amendment prohibits all laws abridging the freedom of speech and of the press, so the meaning of the amendment depends on the definition and scope of those freedoms. Freedom of the press merely meant the right to be free from prior censorship. Freedom of speech includes not only the right to express one's views but also the right not to be compelled to affirm beliefs that one does not share. Government can promote freedom of speech not only by making its property available for communicative purposes but also by providing financial support for speech. In the face of claims that patronage was necessary for strong political parties, the Court held that removals based on political affiliation violated government workers' rights of freedom of association and freedom of political belief.
