Week 1 Assignment: State Powers
Chamberlain School of Nursing
POLI330N-11455
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, W1 Assignment 1
We all grow up learning about the United States Constitution and what it includes. In
school, year after year, we dive into the different parts and learn about their meaning. But how
many people know about their state constitution? In my opinion, I feel as though not many peo-
ple do. I say this because when presented with project, I didn't realize our state had its on consti-
tution. I knew states could have their own laws but never thought that they could all have an in-
dividual constitution.
First, I dove into Louisiana’s state constitution and picked out Article 1 Const 1 7 which
is Freedom of expression. It states “No law shall curtail or restrain the freedom of speech or of
the press. Every person may speak, write, and publish his sentiments on any subject, but is re-
sponsible for abuse of that freedom” (Louisiana Laws Table of Contents - Louisiana State Legis-
lature). After reading this, it tells me that the state government grants the citizens the right to
speak up and express themselves but also shows them that it could come with consequences. I
then looked up the United States Bill of Rights and found that the first amendment (article the
third) relates to the above at a national level. This amendment states “Congress shall make no
law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging
the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to
petition the Government for a redress of grievances” (The Bill of Rights: A Transcription). Al-
though this amendment covers a few things, it mentions the freedom of expression when it talks
about freedom of speech. A citizens freedom of speech can be a form of expression.
Next, I found another state section, Article 1 Const 1 8, which is Freedom of Religion. It
states “No law shall be enacted respecting an establishment of religion or prohibiting the free ex-
ercise thereof” (Louisiana Laws Table of Contents - Louisiana State Legislature). After reading
this, it tells me that the state cannot stop someone from practicing a religion or stop them from
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