๐ Topic Summary
The First Amendment of the United States Constitution protects several fundamental rights, including freedom of speech. This protection isn't absolute; there are limitations, especially when speech incites violence, defamation, or disrupts public order. Understanding these nuances is crucial for the AP Government exam.
In AP Government, you need to know the different types of speech (like symbolic speech), landmark Supreme Court cases that defined free speech (like *Tinker v. Des Moines*), and how the government can regulate speech. This worksheet will test your knowledge of these core concepts.
๐ Part A: Vocabulary
Match the following terms with their definitions:
| Term |
Definition |
| 1. Defamation |
A. Expression through actions rather than words |
| 2. Symbolic Speech |
B. False statements that harm someone's reputation |
| 3. Prior Restraint |
C. Censorship imposed before a speech or publication, usually presumed unconstitutional |
| 4. Clear and Present Danger |
D. Doctrine used to determine under what circumstances limits can be placed on First Amendment freedoms. |
| 5. Libel |
E. A published false statement that is damaging to a person's reputation. |
Answers: 1-B, 2-A, 3-C, 4-D, 5-E
โ๏ธ Part B: Fill in the Blanks
The Supreme Court case _______ established the principle of _______ speech in schools, stating that students do not "shed their constitutional rights at the schoolhouse gate." However, this right is not absolute, and schools can restrict speech that _______ the educational environment or violates the rights of others. The First Amendment also protects the freedom of ______, allowing individuals to express themselves through various mediums.
Answers: Tinker v. Des Moines, symbolic, disrupts, expression
๐ค Part C: Critical Thinking
Explain the difference between protected and unprotected speech under the First Amendment. Give specific examples of each.