Freedom of Association and Freedom of Expression

Abstract

Freedom of association has always been a vital feature of American society. In modem times it has assumed even greater importance. More and more the individual, in order to realize his own capacities or to stand up to the institutionalized forces that surround him, has found it imperative to join with others of like mind in pursuit of common objectives. His freedom to do so is essential to the democratic way of life. At the same time the exercise of this freedom has given rise to novel and troublesome problems. Organizations have grown in size and power, and organizational techniques have achieved a new order of effectiveness. These associations have been strenuously resisted at times by other private groups, or sought to be regulated or curbed by government authority. At another level the rights of individual members and minority groups within these centers of private power have come to be a matter of growing concern. And likewise the position of the individual who does not belong, and who does not wish to be forced into association, has raised the problems of defining an area of personal freedom into which neither government nor private organizational power may intrude.