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Activity 2.2: First Amendment Rights in Action
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Lesson 2: Courting Controversy: The First and Second Amendments

Activity 2.2: First Amendment Rights in Action

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/0/01/Free_speech_doesn%27t_mean_careless_talk%5E_-_NARA_-_535383.jpg

This American WWII propaganda poster was supposed to show people that careless talk about their work in a munitions factory was not protected by free speech. However, the question still remains: what is careless talk and who determines if it is indeed careless? More accurately, does the speech present a “clear and present danger”? The debate continues.

The First Amendment protects those freedoms fundamental to a democratic society. Over the past century, the rights and liberties protected by the First Amendment have become--if possible--even more important to people living in the United States.Though the First Amendment has always been re-examined and reinterpreted, it is truly a center stage topic. In this activity, you will learn about the First Amendment freedoms and the limits to those freedoms over the course of American history through a number of Supreme Court cases.

Benchmark 9.1.3.4.2:

Explain the scope and limits of rights protected by the First and Second Amendments and changes created by legislative action and court interpretation.

Learning Target:

I can....explain the limits of free expression under the First Amendment.

Essential Question:

What are the limits of free expression under the First Amendment?

To complete Activity 2.2 please follow the steps below:

STEP 1

Constitutional democracy in the United States is built upon the legal foundations provided by the First Amendment. The First Amendment to the United States Constitution ensures five essential rights to the people of the United States of America:

1.) Freedom of Speech

2.) Freedom of the Press

3.) Freedom of Religion

4.) Freedom of Assembly

5.) Freedom of Petition

STEP 2

For this activity, you will be conducting an investigation of the First Amendment and submitting your responses through an ADD TEXT SUBMISSION. Use the links provided below to gather information to formulate your responses.

 

A) Freedom of Speech

  1. The term Freedom of Speech does not only refer to the things people say. What other rights are implied by the term Freedom of Speech?
  2. How does protecting Freedom of Speech keep the government from becoming too powerful?
  3. Should Freedom of Speech ever be limited and if so how? Be sure to refer to the issues discussed in the articles and other issues with which you may already be familiar.
  4. Describe one significant Supreme Court First Amendment case that deals specifically with the Freedom of Speech.

 

Resources for Freedom of Speech:

Freedom of Speech Overview 

Speech FAQ

Art

Hate Groups

B) Freedom of the Press

  1. Why was Freedom of the Press included in the First Amendment?
  2. If we were to censor written works what would be the greatest problem the censors would have? Refer to the list of once-banned books.
  3. What could happen if the rights to Freedom of the Press were not included in the Constitution?
  4. Explain the case of Peter Zenger and tell how it relates to this part of the First Amendment.
  5. Describe one significant Supreme Court First Amendment case that deals specifically with the Freedom of the Press. You cannot select Zenger because this occurred before the existence of the United States and the First Amendment!

 

Resources for Freedom of the Press:

Freedom of Press Overview 

Press FAQ 

Zenger's Influence Upon First Amendment

Banned Books

C) Freedom of Religion

  1. What does the term Freedom of Religion mean in relationship to the United States Government?
  2. List some controversies related to this section of the First Amendment.
  3. What are three specific rules set out by the courts that are related to freedom of religion?
  4. Some people feel that these rules protect religious freedom while
  5. others feel they inhibit religious freedom. Explain this statement.
  6. Describe one significant Supreme Court First Amendment case that deals specifically with the Freedom of Religion.

 

Resources for Freedom of Religion:

Freedom of Religion Overview 

Religion FAQ 

 

D) Freedom of Assembly

  1. What is the Right to Assembly?
  2. How should those who assemble behave?
  3. Under what circumstances are people not allowed to assemble?
  4. What can the government require from people who exercise their right to assemble?
  5. Name some issues over which people might assemble (stage a protest).
  6. Describe one significant Supreme Court First Amendment case that deals specifically with the Freedom of Assembly.

 

Resources for Freedom of Assembly:

Freedom of Assembly Overview 

Assembly FAQ 

Assembly Information & Cases (Look down to fourth paragraph)

 E) Freedom of Petition

  1. What is the Right of Petition?
  2. Why do people petition the Government?
  3. Where can those who petition aim their requests?
  4. What kinds of issues may petitions contain?
  5. Describe one significant Supreme Court First Amendment case that deals specifically with the Freedom of Assembly.

Resources for Freedom of Petition:

Freedom of Petition Overview 

Freedom of Petition FAQ 

STEP 3

What are the limits of free expression under the First Amendment? Note: you must explain the limits to each of the 5 rights that you have investigated.

STEP 4

Once you have completed STEPS 1-4, please submit your work through the ADD TEXT SUBMISSION BOX.