Rights and Liberties (1st Amendment) Flashcards
Free Speech
The right to express opinions without government interference, a fundamental aspect of the First Amendment.
Symbolic Speech
Non-verbal expression, such as gestures or actions, that conveys a political or social message and is protected as a form of free speech.
“Low Value” Speech
Speech with limited constitutional protection, including obscenity, defamation, and fighting words.
Libel
False and damaging written statements that HARM the reputation of an individual or entity.
Defamation
FALSE spoken or written statements that harm the reputation of an individual or entity.
True Threats
Communications that constitute a serious expression of intent to commit unlawful violence.
“Fighting Words”
Offensive and inflammatory language likely to provoke an immediate violent reaction, NOT protected under the First Amendment.
Obscenity
Offensive or sexually explicit material that lacks literary, artistic, political, or scientific value and is NOT protected by the First Amendment.
Hate Speech
Expression that offends, threatens, or insults a particular group based on attributes such as race, religion, or sexual orientation.
Sedition
Advocating the overthrow of the government through force or other unlawful means.
Special Interest Groups
Organizations that advocate for specific causes or issues to influence public policy.
Lobbying
The act of attempting to influence decisions made by government officials.
Campaign Financing
Financial contributions made to influence the outcome of elections, including donations to political campaigns.
Corporation
A legal entity (organization) separate from its owners, often formed for business purposes.
Federal Election Campaign Act (1971)
Legislation regulating campaign financing and disclosure in federal elections.
Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act (McCain-Feingold Campaign Act) [2002]
Legislation aimed at reforming campaign finance laws, including restrictions on soft money contributions
Political Action Committee (PAC)
An organization that raises and spends money to elect or defeat political candidates.
SuperPAC
An independent political action committee that can raise unlimited funds but cannot directly coordinate with candidates.
Assembly
The right to gather peacefully with others, protected under the First Amendment.
Petition
The right to address the government with grievances, requests, or demands.
Civic Action
Participation in activities aimed at influencing the political, social, or economic well-being of a community.
Establishment
The clause in the First Amendment prohibiting the government from establishing an official religion.
Free Exercise
The right to practice one’s religion freely, protected under the First Amendment.
Separation of Church and State
The concept that government and religious institutions should operate independently of each other.