Defining Our Liberties
These are protections against the government that guarantee basic freedoms.
What are Civil Liberties
Originally, this set of amendments was intended only as a restriction on the National Government, not the States.
What is the Bill of Rights
This is the false and malicious use of spoken words.
What is Slander
This term describes communicating ideas through conduct, such as wearing an armband or carrying a sign.
What is Symbolic Speech
This word describes the crime of attempting to overthrow the government by force.
What is Sedition
This term refers to government actions that ensure rights are applied equally to all people.
What are Civil Rights
This specific clause in the 14th Amendment prevents states from depriving any person of life, liberty, or property without a fair legal process.
What is the Due Process Clause
This is the false and malicious use of printed or written words.
What is Libel
This activity involves protesting in front of a business to raise awareness.
What is Picketing
This term refers to a court order authorizing a search of a person or property.
What is a Search Warrant
This famous line from the Declaration of Independence references unalienable rights.
What is "Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness"
For double the points: Explain how this idea connects to civil liberties today.
This process applied the Bill of Rights to the states.
What is the Process of Incorporation
For double points: Why is this important for citizens today?
Freedom of speech and the press protect this expression of ideas.
What are Unpopular Views
For double the points: Why is it important to protect unpopular opinions?
These two specific amendments work together to guarantee the right of free expression and discussion.
What are the 1st and 14th Amendments
This term refers to a citizen's right to bring their views to the attention of government officials.
What is petition
For double points: Why is this important in a democracy?
This amendment states that not all rights are explicitly listed in the Constitution.
What is the 9th Amendment
For double the points: Why is this important in a democracy?
This Supreme Court case in 1925 ensured First Amendment protections apply to the states.
What is Gitlow v. New York
For double the points: Why does this matter for students and schools today?
This law made it illegal to advocate violent overthrow of the government.
What is the Smith Act
For double the points: Why might the government limit speech in this case?
In a 1989 case, the Court ruled offensive symbolic speech is still protected.
Texas v. Johnson
For double points: Why should this type of expression be protected?
This is the intentional, peaceful violation of a law as a form of protest.
What is Civil Disobedience
For double points: Why can this be an effective form of protest?
Justice Holmes described the purpose of the First Amendment using a famous phrase. Explain what he meant AND why it matters for protecting different viewpoints.
What is "Freedom for the thought we hate"
Beyond "Due Process," this 14th Amendment clause was primarily intended to prevent discrimination against individuals, particularly formerly enslaved people, after the Civil War.
What is the Equal Protection Clause
The key issue in protected speech is whether it causes this type of action.
What is an unlawful or dangerous action
For double points: Explain why this matters and give an example.
What example did Mr. Pena use when he was describing symbolic expression and picketing
The CSUF professor strike that occurred on January of 2025
For Double Points: Explain how symbolic expression can influence public opinion.
Choose ONE method of civic participation (voting, protest, petition, lobbying).
Argue why it is the MOST effective using an example.
Answers will vary