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| The following instructional task models how to measure both reading to be informed and the social studies Political Systems indicators "using historical documents such as ... the U.S. Constitution, analyze the basic principles of American government" and "using case studies from ... American history, analyze consequences resulting from the exercise or denial of rights and/or responsibilities." The Political System indicator and the reading stance being measured are identified in parenthesis after each activity. For a review of the four reading stances refer to _______________.
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Directions: Read the excerpts taken from We the People titled " What is freedom of expression? " and " What are some of the benefits of freedom of expression? " and then complete Activities 1 through 6.
- Summarize the main idea of these two excerpts.(Reading: global stance)
- Use information from the excerpts to identify on the graphic organizer below the four parts of freedom of expression that are protected by the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. (Social Studies: using historical documents such as ... the U.S. Constitution, analyze the basic principles of American government; Reading: developing interpretation stance)
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- Based on information from the excerpts and what you know, identify in the chart below reasons for protecting the right of freedom of expression. (Social Studies: using case studies from ... American history, analyze consequences resulting from the exercise or denial of rights and/or responsibilities; Reading: developing interpretation stance)
| Reasons for Protecting Freedom of Expression |
- Reread the list of reasons you identified in Activity 3. Based on what you know, explain which of these reasons you think is the best reason for protecting citizens' freedom of expression. (Social Studies: using case studies from ... American history, analyze consequences resulting from the exercise or denial of rights and/or responsibilities; Reading: personal stance)
- Some citizens think that there are situations when freedom of expression should be limited. Based on what you know, describe a possible situation when a person's freedom of expression should be limited. (Social Studies: using case studies from ... American history, analyze consequences resulting from the exercise or denial of rights and/or responsibilities; Reading: personal stance)
- The author of these excerpts states that the First Amendment is "probably the best-known amendment to the Constitution." Explain why you agree or disagree with the author. (Social Studies: using historical documents such as ... the U.S. Constitution, analyze the basic principles of American government; Reading: critical stance, personal stance)
"...secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity [future generations]..." Preamble of the Constitution
One of the purposes of government is to protect our liberty. What does "liberty" mean? When you answer this question you are likely to think of some of the freedoms guaranteed by the First Amendment to the Constitution. It is probably the best-known amendment to the Constitution. Here is what one section of it says:
Congress shall make no law...abridging [limiting] the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition [ask] the government for a redress of grievances [to correct wrongs].
Freedom of speech, freedom of the press, freedom of assembly, and freedom of petition are all part of the right to freedom of expression protected by the First Amendment. It is important to understand that this Amendment limits the powers of Congress. It prevents Congress from placing unreasonable and unfair limits on freedom of expression. That is why the Amendment begins with the phrase, "Congress shall make no law..."
The Founders knew about ... many ... events in history where people had been unfairly deprived of their right to freedom of expression. They also believed in natural rights and representative democracy. They believed that the right to hold and express one's beliefs was essential to being a responsible citizen. The following are some of the arguments for the importance of this right.
- Individual development and human dignity. It is important to your growth as a person to have the right to present your ideas and to consider other points of view. Your dignity as a person should be respected by allowing you the freedom to say what you think and to hear what other think.
- Advancement of knowledge. It is easier for new discoveries to be made when ideas can be discussed freely. Even if you disagree with someone, that person may say something that helps you test your knowledge and increase your understanding.
- The maintenance of representative democracy. Individual citizens participate in running our country through their power to vote for government officials and make choices about government policies. In order to make wise choices, you need to have good information. Free expression does not guarantee complete or accurate information, but it increases the chances of getting such information.
- Peaceful social change. Free speech allows you to try to influence public opinion by persuasion without feeling you have to resort to violence to make changes. Also, if you have the opportunity to express your opinions freely, you may be more willing to accept government decisions, even ones you do not agree with.
Taken from Center for Civic Education's We the People, Unit 5, Lesson 23, pp. 96-7.
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