Case Background
What papers were leaked and who leaked them?
The Pentagon Papers and Daniel Ellsberg
How did the New York Times first get the Pentagon Papers?
Daniel Ellsberg, a former Pentagon analyst, leaked them
Was Daniel Ellsberg convicted under the charges of the Espionage Act?
No. He was charged for espionage, conspiracy, and theft but was never convicted. If he was he would face a possible 115-year sentence.
Which U.S. President’s administration attempted to stop the publication of the Pentagon Papers?
Richard Nixon
When was the Declaration Of Independence signed?
August 2, 1776
How many days did the case take?
17 days. From June 13 1971- June 30 1971
What was the reaction of the New York Times when the U.S. government sought to prevent them from publishing the Pentagon Papers?
They continued publishing, challenging the government in court
Which government action directly led to the New York Times publishing the Pentagon Papers?
The New York Times receiving a copy of the documents from Ellsberg
Which U.S. government agency was primarily responsible for the classified nature of the Pentagon Papers?
Department of Defense (Pentagon)
Which Federalist Paper most directly argues that the large size of the republic would protect against factional tyranny?
Federalist No.10
What were the papers about?
It was a classified study commissioned by the U.S. Department of Defense (the "Pentagon") about the United States' involvement in the Vietnam War
Who was the editor of the New York Times when the Pentagon Papers were published?
Arthur Ochs Sulzberger
What was the outcome of the Supreme Court ruling in New York Times Co. v. United States?
The Court ruled in favor of the New York Times, allowing publication to continue
What was the central claim of the Nixon administration regarding the Pentagon Papers in the case?
The government needed to preserve the confidentiality of military and diplomatic information
Which power allows the Senate to influence foreign policy without rejecting a treaty?
Reservation, understanding, or declaration (RUD)
What was the official title of the Pentagon Papers?
Report of the Office of the Secretary of Defense Vietnam Task Force
What was the primary legal issue the New York Times faced in the Pentagon Papers case?
Whether they could publish documents related to national security
What was Daniel Ellsberg's primary motivation for leaking the Pentagon Papers?
To expose government deception about the Vietnam War to the public
What action did the U.S. government take immediately after the New York Times began publishing the Pentagon Papers in June 1971?
The government tried to prevent further publication by seeking an injunction (a court order forcing the party to stop doing a specific act)
Which case first applied the Bill of Rights to the states via the 4th amendment?
Gitlow v. New York
Which government official was primarily responsible for commissioning the Pentagon Papers?
Robert S. McNamara
What legal concept did the New York Times argue in court to support their case for publishing the Pentagon Papers?
Freedom of the press under the First Amendment
What was one of the long-term political effects of the publication of the Pentagon Papers on the U.S. government?
It led to greater government transparency and accountability
Who represented the U.S. government in the Supreme Court during the New York Times Co. v. United States case?
Solicitor General Erwin Griswold
What age did Ms. Bedoya graduate college?
Age 19