Chapter 4, Section 1

Who, or what does the Bill of Rights limit? How are they, or how is this limited?

The national government from getting too powerful. 1. places strict limits on how the national government can use its powers over the people. 2. protects our civil liberties—the freedoms we have to think and act without government Interference or fear of unfair treatment.

What part of the First Amendment protects religious freedoms? Name the clause.

--establishment clause

Name three types of speech protected by the First Amendment

--face-to-face discussions, telephone conversations, lectures, radio and telephone conversations, TV broadcasts, Internet communication, and words used in art, in music, and on clothing.

What other right does freedom of assembly imply?

--freedom of association

List the two limitations to First Amendment freedoms?

1. limits on speech that prevent endangering others 2. speech encouraging criminal actitivity

How is the first freedom safeguarded, and what are it's limits?

a. Freedom of Religion-2 ways it is safeguarded: 1.). establishment clause---prohibits Congress from establishing an official religion for the U.S. Jefferson referred to this clause as a "separation of church and state."*** 2.) guarantees Americans the right to practice their faith as they wish. Government cannot favor one religion over the other or treat people differently b/c of their beliefs.

What does the second freedom do for us. What are it's limits. What are we protected against?

the freedom of speech allows us to say what is on our minds, in public or private, without fear of punishment by the government; These things are protected: face-to-face discussions, telephone conversations, lectures, and radio and TV broadcasts, Internet comunication, art, music, and even clothing. It's limits are, if for example somebody said they hate the president or their teacher, or anybody, then they are entitled to their opinion. but if, for example they say they are going to kill the president, teacher, parent, etc. then the need of the nation and the rights of the nation as a whole would become more important than the right of that one person, and their rights are overrided.

Why was the First Amendment added to the Constitution so quickly?

many felt the Constitution did not go far enough to protect rights of individuals and insisted on Bill of Rights

What is the difference between libel and slander?

slander is spoken lies spread about another and libel is written lies are printed or published

What was the significance of the Bill of rights?

the Constitution might not have been ratified if the Bill of Rights had not been promised. The first ten amendments are in the Bill of Rights, and it was added to guarantee basic freedoms essential to American democracy.

What marked the beginning of free press in America?

American Revolution

What does the fourth freedom do for us(what rights does it give us)? What are the restrictions on this? What can the Supreme Court do regarding this right.?

Freedom of Assembly—can gather in groups for any reason, so long as the assembly is peaceful. --Your rights: attend meeting, parades, political rallies, associations, and public celebrations. --Restrictions: must be peaceful, government can issue rules as to when and where activities can be held—but cannot ban them. --Supreme Court extends assembly to who you associate with, such as joining social clubs, political parties, labor unions, and even what most might consider radical groups.

What does the third freedom do for us. What does it refer to. What are some limitations to this freedom. What does it prevent?

Freedom of the Press—express ourselves in print. Press refers as printed publications such as books, newspapers, and magazines...today, includes other forms of media such as radio, television, and computer networks. 1.) This freedom guarantees that people are exposed to a variety of viewpoints. 2.) It prevents the government from practicing censorship—no ban on on printed materials or films based on its content being offensive. --***Mass media is not totally free of government regulation. Some example restrictions: a.) no person can use printed materials to injure another person's character or reputation. (libel) b.) cannot threaten national security (that's why Wikileaks is interesting right now) c.) prohibit the printing and distribution of obscene materials.

What is the freedom to Petition, and what rights does it give us.

Freedom to Petition—petition is merely a formal request. Means the right to express one's ideas to the government. Ex. Complaining about over-crowded schools or wanting a local neighborhood park.

What freedoms are given to us in the first amendment?

RAPPS: Religion, Assembly, Petition, Press, Speech.

What are the limits on the first amendment?

all constitutional rights are limited in order to ensure our other rights are protected. 1. First Amendment (RAPPS) protects our thoughts and opinions, but it is not absolute. 2. First Amendment not meant to allow people to do whatever they want. Rights of one individual must be balanced against the rights of others and the community. The rights of the community usually supersedes the rights of an individual when there is conflict between the two. 3. You cannot endanger our government or other Americans. Rights and imitations include the following: a. cannot speak or write in a way that leads to criminal activities or overthrow government by force. b. cannot interfere with the rights of others. Must consider time, place, and manner of certain forms of speech. Example: cannot block traffic in the road way to talk to your friend. You can campaign for a candidate, but you cannot use a megaphone at midnight to blare into your neighbor's windows. c. cannot conduct speech harmful to children. Certain tv programs are broadcast at night. d. cannot present speech that presents clear and present danger. Ex. Yell "fire" in crowded room and there was no fire. e. cannot have obscene speech—vulgar or explicit speech that deeply offends the standards of a community has no political or artistic value. f. can criticize the government officials, but you may not spread lies that harm a person's reputation. Slander is spoken lies. Libel is printed lies.