Texas vs. Johnson

What counterargument does the dissenting opinion make about responding to a flag burner?

• People should riot when they care deeply about something.

• Ignore them. There is no evidence to support flag burning will prove a point.

• People should treat the flag with respect and honor.

• There is no need to respond to someone exercising their First Amendment right.

What is the author’s primary claim?

• The Supreme Court cannot amend or stray from the equal rights set forth by the Bill of Rights.

• The Supreme Court disagrees with the actions permitted by the First Amendment, but cannot find legal grounds to uphold the conviction.

• The Supreme Court does not have the jurisdiction to veto a just law set forth by an individual state.

• The Supreme Court does not condone flag burning, but they recognize that it is a common and lawful act of protest.

Select two details that BEST support the author’s claim that flag burning will not tarnish its image or symbolic nature.

• “...we submit that nobody can suppose that this one gesture of an unknown man will change our Nation's attitude towards its flag.”

• “its statute's implicit assumption that physical mistreatment of the flag will lead to "serious offense," tend to confirm that the flag's special role is not in danger”

• “It is the Nation's resilience, not its rigidity, that Texas sees reflected in the flag -- and it is that resilience that we reassert today.”

• “Our decision is a reaffirmation of the principles of freedom and inclusiveness that the flag best reflects…”

Part A: Which theme does Letter from Birmingham Jail and Texas V. Johnson have in common?

• Laws should be broken to assert the right to protest.

• Laws that are biased need to be reformed.

• Laws are meant to be questioned and appealed.

• Laws should not infringe on natural born rights.

What case made the Supreme Court strike down all state flag desecration laws?

• Texas vs. Johnson

• Spence vs. Washington

• Halter vs. Nebraska

• The article does not say.

What amendment protects protestors that decide to burn the U.S. flaga?

• Second

• Third

• First

• Fifth

Why was Johnson arrested for burning the flag?

• he was disturbing the peace

• he said disrespectful things while doing it

• he was violently disrespecting a respected object

• he was criticizing the government

What is the main issue addressed in the Texas vs. Johnson case?

• A) The legality of flag burning as a form of protest

• B) The right to bear arms

• C) The regulation of state taxes

• D) The freedom of the press

Which amendment of the U.S. Constitution was central to the Texas vs. Johnson decision?

• A) First Amendment

• B) Second Amendment

• C) Fourth Amendment

• D) Fifth Amendment

What was the outcome of the Texas vs. Johnson case?

• A) Johnson was convicted and sentenced to prison

• B) The Supreme Court ruled that flag burning is protected speech

• C) The case was dismissed due to lack of evidence

• D) Johnson was fined but not imprisoned