Why is Free Speech Essential to Self Gov't

1. What is the author’s main purpose in “Why is Free Speech Essential to Self-Government?” 

• 1. To demonstrate the historical significance of free speech in the development of democracy.

• 1. To persuade readers of the importance of protecting free speech in maintaining self-government.

• 1. To inform readers about the legal boundaries and limitations of free speech.

• 1. To educate readers about the Founders' intentions behind including the First Amendment in the Bill of Rights

1. Select one piece of evidence that support the author’s main purpose.

• 1. “Self-government is not possible when speech is censored.” 

• 1. “Along with the right to free speech, the First Amendment’s protection of a free press educates citizens about abuses of power and allows them to right such wrongs by voting.” 

• 1. "The First Amendment was designed by the Founders to protect YOUR ability to participate in self-government and live in peace with those who think differently from you."

1. Read the following excerpt: “The freedom of Americans to express their opinions creates a more stable society. Groups-- even unpopular ones-- have a chance to express their views and persuade their fellow citizens. In return, their views are open to challenge in a fair manner.”

Which rhetorical appeal is used by the author in the excerpt?

• 1.  Appeal to ethos 

• 1.  Appeal to pathos

• Appeal to logos

• Appeal to kairos

1. Choose the sentence that best provides evidence of the rhetorical appeal to logos.

• 1. The freedom of Americans to express their opinions creates a more stable society.  

• 1. Groups-- even unpopular ones-- have a chance to express their view and persuade their fellow citizens. 

• 1. In return, their views are open to challenge in a fair manner.  

• 1. This dialogue decreases the chance that people with extreme views will turn to violence when their ideas go unheard.   

1. Read the following excerpt:  “Do you ever disagree with those in authority: your teacher, the governor or the president? If you voice your opinions peacefully, will you be silenced and punished by the government? No, because the First Amendment protects freedom of speech.”

How does this question accomplish the author’s purpose of being persuasive?

• 1. By using multiple rhetorical appeals. 

• 1. By relating to the audience members and aiming to reach them through common ground.

• 1. By being informal enough for anyone to understand. 

• 1. By engaging the reader with a personal anecdote.  

1. Which rhetorical appeal is used in this quote: “Do you ever disagree with those in authority: your teacher, the governor or the president? If you voice your opinions peacefully, will you be silenced and punished by the government? No, because the First Amendment protects freedom of speech.”

• Appeal to logos

• Appeal to pathos

• Appeal to kairos

• Appeal to ethos

1. What is the purpose of using the Supreme Court case Brandenburg v. Ohio (1969) as evidence in this article?

• 1. To illustrate the boundaries of the First Amendment.

• 1. To show the distinction between protected speech and speech that incites unlawful action. 

• 1. To prove that free speech leads to unlawful action. 

• 1. To demonstrate how free speech can lead to violence and should be restricted.