Lesson 5: from Texas v. Johnson Majority Opinion/Dissent QUIZ

Which constitutional right was at the center of the Texas v. Johnson case?

• • A. Second Amendment (Right to Bear Arms)

• • B. Fourth Amendment (Protection from Unreasonable Searches)

• • C. First Amendment (Freedom of Speech)

• • D. Fifth Amendment (Right to Due Process)

What did the majority in Texas v. Johnson conclude about flag burning?

• • A. It is a form of unprotected speech.

• • B. It is a form of protected symbolic speech.

• • C. It can be banned by the government.

• • D. It does not qualify as speech under the First Amendment.

According to the majority, what was the main reason Texas' law against flag burning was unconstitutional?

• • A. The law banned symbolic speech based on its content.

• • B. The law did not have public support.

• • C. Flag burning was not considered expressive conduct.

• • D. The law only applied to certain types of speech.

What key argument did the dissent make in defense of Texas' law?

• • A. The flag should be protected because it is a sacred symbol.

• • B. Flag burning is an ineffective form of protest.

• • C. Free speech does not apply to acts that offend others.

• • D. Flag desecration causes public disorder.

In the dissent’s view, why should the government be allowed to ban flag burning?

• • A. It does not convey any important political messages.

• • B. It disrespects a key national symbol, undermining national unity.

• • C. It incites violence.

• • D. It goes against public morals.

Which justice wrote the majority opinion in Texas v. Johnson?

• • A. Chief Justice Rehnquist

• • B. Justice Stevens

• • C. Justice Brennan

• • D. Justice O'Connor

What was the key point of disagreement between the majority and the dissent?

• • A. Whether flag burning is effective protest.

• • B. Whether flag burning should be allowed as political expression.

• • C. Whether the First Amendment should protect all forms of speech.

• • D. Whether Texas should punish people for anti-American sentiment.

How did the majority view the act of flag burning?

• • A. As an illegal act.

• • B. As a form of political speech.

• • C. As a dangerous act.

• • D. As disrespectful but not unconstitutional.

Which of the following was NOT a reason cited by the majority to protect flag burning?

• • A. The First Amendment protects speech, even if it is offensive.

• • B. The flag's meaning can be interpreted differently by individuals.

• • C. Flag burning could lead to violent protests.

• • D. Preventing flag burning would limit free expression.

What did the dissent argue about the role of the flag in society?

• • A. It is just like any other symbol used in protests.

• • B. It is a symbol of national unity that the government should protect.

• • C. It has no real meaning beyond a political symbol.

• • D. It is outdated and should not be legally protected.