This resource uses primary source documents to explore the First Amendment. After reviewing key events of the 1790s, government or US history classes explore Madison's letter to Jefferson regarding the Alien and Sedition Acts. They then work in groups addressing one of six topics related to the Virginia Resolutions. After presenting their findings to the class, individuals collect newspaper editorials representing various perspectives on the US Patriot Act. This is a good series of exercises; however, you may need to establish a culminating activity or discussion that ties each component together and revisits the main topic of First Amendment rights.