Bill of Rights Flashcards
What is the Bill of Rights
1st 10 Constitutional amendments. Made after the Revolutionary War since citizens were scared of a strong federal government taking away their rights
What created our current Federal Government?
The constitution
What are Civil Liberties?
Freedoms protected from government abuse. Were important to our founders
What are Civil Rights?
Minority groups desire for equality. Were not important to our founders
1st Amendment
Right to speech, press, religion, petition, and assembly
What is Seditious Speech?
Anti-government speech
What speech is illegal?
Speech that results in Imminent Harm
Prior Restraint
Government can only censor the press if a court believes there is Imminent Harm. Can’t threaten the Presidents life
Are false stories about a public person legal?
Yes, if they aren’t defamation. i.e. Damaging to a person’s reputation
What is Libel?
False/Hurtful written statements
What is Slander?
False/hurtful spoken statements
Are Fighting Words illegal?
Yes. Imminent Harm
Is a student’s free speech limited?
When on campus or at school events, yes
Do symbols count as speech?
Yes, they are protected free speech
Protected Free Speech
-Campaign donations
-Pornography
Are Obscenities Protected Free Speech?
No
Commercial Speech
Government can’t censor false ads
Religious Rights
Establishment Clause and Free Exercise Clause
What is the Establishment Clause?
Government can’t promote a faith
What is the Free Exercise Clause?
Government can’t interfere with how citizens worship
2nd Amendment
Right to keep and bear arms
3rd Amendment
No quartering soldiers in our homes
Right to Privacy
Supreme Court says we have this right
