b'Without protest, theUnited States of Americawould not exist.A t its root, America grew from the protests of the Sons of Liberty in 1773, when a group of colonists in Boston Harbor destroyed an entire shipment of tea sent by the East India Company. This act of defiance was in direct response to the Townshend Act, which imposed duties on tea imported to the colonies. Following this political and mercantile protest, the British government responded harshly, and the episode escalated into the American Revolution, and the formation of the United States of America.Protesting is, as American as apple pie. Many laws and government changes in the country have come from protests from the people. From womens right to vote to civil rights, these battles for equality were won because of years of dedicated demonstrations and protests. The right to peacefully protest is written into the Constitution. The right to protest is a manifestation of the right to freedom of assembly, the right to freedom of association and the right to freedom of speech. These principles are established in the First Amendment of the Constitution, the Bill of Rights, which reads:Amplify: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.As Americans, we may express feelings and frustrations regarding actions taken by people in power, including the government. The Constitution protects freedom of speech and assembly from retaliation from the government. Private citizens andorganizations generally have the right to peaceablyPhoto by Library of Congress 11counter protest.AmericAn protestsThe past few years have been wrought with protests for several causes. From Occupy Wall'