<Student Name>
<Name and Section # of course>
<Instructor Name>
One of the most important Amendment Theories in my opinion is the Meiklejohnian Theory. The reason stands that this theory is considered a positive theory by many Positivist Theorists, and it is important because it professes freedom of speech that is a basic right of everyone living in the United States of America. Freedom of expression has been an intrinsic part of the American society and even when America was a British colony, the Americans enjoyed more freedom of expression than the British. (Yates, 2001). Censorship laws were barely exercised in the United States. Therefore, the First Amendment exercised that freedom of speech cannot be abridged but the speech itself can be abridged. This theory allows speakers to freely talk on any topic without any censor. The government is ruled by the people, according to Meiklejohn. People are free to give their opinion on anything related to their governance. Also, the theory says that political freedom is necessary for governance. An important aspect of this point in the theory is not to control the freedom of speech rather it is the self-control that needs to be practiced by individuals. (Hope, 2014).
The theory is important because it has roots in the basics of American teachings and ideology. People need to have a say in how they wish to live and how to be governed. The history of American laws and rules show that people have always held an opinion in what they believe is best for living in a peaceful society. This can be seen in the way media is used to spread information and show consent about issues like marijuana legalization, racial discrimination, LGBT and same-sex marriages, crimes and their awareness and many other societal issues. Therefore, done in a controlled manner, this theory gives power to the people and yet leaders maintain the right to exercise rules.
References
Hope. (2014). The Rulers and the Ruled. Alexander Mieklejohn’sFirst Amendment Philosophy.
Retrieved from http://hope.journ.wwu.edu/tpilgrim/j190/week1Meiklejohn.html
Yates. (2001). First Amendment. Westgate.edu. Retrieved from
http://www.westga.edu/~byates/first.htm
