8.3 Freedom of Speech and Press

"Reasonable restrictions" are allowed on freedom of expression to prohibit the expression of words that

• libel, slander, or endanger another person.

• are true but are uncomfortable to hear.

• provide a forum for open discussion of issues.

• are reflective of a particular group's views.

What is the impact on 1st Amendment rights of the Supreme Court ruling in Schenck v. United States?

• A. It restricts freedom of expression to words that will not encourage argument or anger.

• A. It restricts freedom of expression to words that do not lead to criminal acts.

• A. It restricts freedom of expression to words that are unpopular and sometimes hurtful to hear.

• A. It restricts freedom of expression to words that are positive and encouraging to hear.

How does the Court's interpretation of symbolic speech in Virginia v. Black compare with its interpretation in Texas v. Johnson?

• The Court interpreted both cases as protected under the 1st Amendment.

• The Court interpreted Texas as not protected, and Virginia as protected.

• The Court interpreted both cases as not protected under the 1st Amendment.

• The Court interpreted Texas as protected, and Virginia as not protected.

The Court found prior restraint unconstitutional in the Pentagon Papers case, but not in the case of a CIA agent's publishing material without permission because

• national security concerns were proven in the Pentagon Papers case.

• national security concerns were proven in the CIA case.

• prior restraint or censorship is always constitutional.

• prior restraint or censorship is never constitutional.

Which of the following is TRUE about the Court's ruling in Red Lion Broadcasting Co. v. FCC? Because broadcasters use public airways,

• their broadcasts can be regulated to ensure they do not infringe on the rights of the public.

• they have a 1st Amendment right to broadcast whatever they like.

• the 1st Amendment prohibits federal regulation of their broadcasts.

• the government can regulate their broadcasts, but those regulations must be approved by the public.

Why is freedom of speech important in a democracy?

• Americans need to be able to sue others for libel or slander.

• Americans need to have as many outlets of information as possible.

• Americans need to have a way to improve literacy rates.

• Americans need to be able to hear and discuss a variety of opinions.

What is one reason that freedom of speech is still important in American democracy today?

• It allows people to say anything they wish to say at any time.

• It helps people make the best choices on public issues.

• It prevents misleading statements and inappropriate opinions.

• It is an economic right.

Which of the following is an example of symbolic speech?

• newspaper editorials

• speech used for business purposes

• picketing

• public debate

How does the case of Tinker v. Des Moines School

District illustrate constitutional provisions for limited

government in the protection of individual rights?

• The students' actions had 1st Amendment protection because the right to speak is protected under all conditions.

• The students' actions were within the realm of reasonable control by school officials in the "special school environment."

• The students' actions had 1st Amendment protection because they did not cause a disruption of normal school activities.

• The students' actions were not protected by the Constitution because it considers school circumstances to be "special."

In Burstyn, Inc. v. Wilson, the Court cited "prior restraint

on freedom of speech and the press" as reason to void a New York law forbidding the showing of a particular motion picture. Prior restraint means that the government

• can prevent the film from being shown before it is released.

• cannot curb ideas shown in the film before they are expressed.

• can curb ideas shown in the film in order to protect the public.

• cannot curb ideas shown in the film unless they are objectionable.