Thinking about Freedom of Speech1

(By Norman Rockwell. It was created in 1943 to depict one of the Four Freedoms outlined by President Roosevelt during World War II. Source: US National Archives and Records Administration)

Reflections: First Amendment to the Constitution:

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.(Passed by Congress September 25, 1789. Ratified December 15, 1791.)

Paraphrase this segment of the First amendment into your own words.

1 Modified by Russ Sackreiter; 2019. Source:https://read.activelylearn.com/#teacher/reader/authoring/preview/855428/notes

What are the various types of speech? Have the forms of speech changed over the decades?

2. If we isolate the words that relate to free speech, we are left with:Congress shall make no law... abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press...

Does the First Amendment give you the right to say anything you wish without restrictions? Explain.

Are certain types of speech free from federal or state restrictions? Explain.

3. Which word could replace “abridging” WITHOUT changing the meaning of the First Amendment?DefiningExpandingInhibitingPublishingNone of the above.

4. Explain why each world you selected would not change the meaning of First Amendment.

5. Explain why you think the Framers choose the word “abridging.”