The Constitution: The very First Amendment

Basically, the ratification of the Constitution on September 17, 1787 was completed because everyone agreed there would be amendments to it. The Bill of Rights would follow and everyone would be happy, happy, happy.

"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."

This amendment all was not directed at the states until around 1925.  So states were free to restrict our rights, choose our religion and keep us from complaining publicly until 1925 and I assume they did just that.  The Scopes Monkey trial with Darrow and Bryan was in 1925 and took on the States Rights vs the First Amendment.  This trial had freedom of speech, Religion, the Press and Assembly issues all rolled into one event. I wish I had been there to see it and live it.  I lived in Utah so I understand the nuances of the First Amendment rights and lack thereof.