Final answer:
Freedom of the press is important for maintaining a healthy democracy, holding the government accountable, and empowering citizens to make informed decisions.
Step-by-step explanation:
Freedom of the press is important because it plays a crucial role in maintaining a healthy democracy and holding the government accountable. When the press is free, it can alert citizens to government abuses and corruption. For example, in the case of John Peter Zenger in 1735, his newspaper exposed corruption in the colonial government and his successful defense established the importance of a free press in the colonies. Freedom of the press also allows for the dissemination of diverse opinions and information, empowering citizens to make informed decisions.