US Civics Guide and Education
US Civics Guide and Education
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      • Civics 101
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      • U.S. Constitution 101
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  • Home
  • Civics 101
    • Civics 101
    • Declaring Independence
    • U.S. Constitution 101
    • The U.S. Constitution
    • U.S. Constitution (con't)
    • The Amendments
  • US GOVERNMENT 101
    • Legislative Branch
    • Law Making - Congress
    • Judicial Branch
    • Executive Branch
    • Voting - Electors 101
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    • Marbury v Madison (1803
    • Major Supreme Court Cases
  • Brief History & Documents
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  • About US Civics Guide
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United States Civics 101

Page: Rights & Duties; Gov't Structure, Terms & Foundation; Civics Test Practice; Free Speech Cases

Page: Rights & Duties; Gov't Structure, Terms & Foundation; Civics Test Practice; Free Speech Cases

Page: Rights & Duties; Gov't Structure, Terms & Foundation; Civics Test Practice; Free Speech Cases

Page: Rights & Duties; Gov't Structure, Terms & Foundation; Civics Test Practice; Free Speech Cases

Page: Rights & Duties; Gov't Structure, Terms & Foundation; Civics Test Practice; Free Speech Cases

Page: Rights & Duties; Gov't Structure, Terms & Foundation; Civics Test Practice; Free Speech Cases

personal freedoms guaranteed under the U.S. Constitution

America is unique. To protect Individual Freedoms & Liberties, the U.S. Constitution limits the powers of the government body.  

"Men of factious tempers... prejudices...sinister designs, may, by intrigue, by corruption...first obtain the [votes] then betray the...people."  #10

the people Guard Constitutional Rights & Liberties

A Transparent Government

The Media's Responsibility to Ensure a Transparent Government

The 9th Amendment -Protects the Rights of the People

 A transparent government system is necessary for citizens to keep check on rules, regulations and laws which might infringe on their Rights, Liberties and Freedoms as outlined in the Constitution.  

The 9th Amendment -Protects the Rights of the People

The Media's Responsibility to Ensure a Transparent Government

The 9th Amendment -Protects the Rights of the People

The 9th Amendment states:   The enumeration in the Constitution, of certain rights, shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people. 

The 10th Amendment -Power to the States & the People

The Media's Responsibility to Ensure a Transparent Government

The Media's Responsibility to Ensure a Transparent Government

 The 10th Amendment states:  The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people. 

The Media's Responsibility to Ensure a Transparent Government

The Media's Responsibility to Ensure a Transparent Government

The Media's Responsibility to Ensure a Transparent Government

The media - Investigative journalists are essential to bring forth unbiased information to the public to highlight transparency of government actions and policies, and to expose misdeeds by their representatives.

 

civil rights U.S. Constitution 101

united states civics - basic Terms & Structure

We the People Rule

The Supreme Law of The Land

U.S. Civics

  The People’s United States government is referred to in several ways: 


- Central government

 

- National government 

 

- Federal government.  


The U.S. Constitution

states the powers granted and 

the powers prohibited to 

each branch of U.S. government.


*

  10th Amendment The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the People.  
  

The Supreme Law of The Land

The Supreme Law of The Land

U.S. Constitution

 The Supreme Law of the Land is:


1.  The Constitution of 

the United States


2.  All laws made in 

pursuance thereof 


3.  All Treaties made, or 

which shall be made, 

under the 

authority 

of the United States


4.  All judges in every 

State shall be bound 

thereby, notwithstanding

 anything in the 

constitution or laws 

of any State to 

the contrary.




 

The Federal Government has 3 departments/branches: Legislative, Executive and Judicial

The Federal Government has 3 departments/branches: Legislative, Executive and Judicial

Senate

      Each department, or branch is equal to the other and they act as a “check” on the other branch's powers and have rules to keep their own branch in check and balanced. 


“Checks and balances” 

ensure that no one branch of government 

or all three- combine power  

and become tyrannical 

with the immense powers 

the People entrust in their care. 


FEDERALISM  

Refers to the system of dual powers - the State's & the Federal Union's.  

Each State has their own Constitution which addresses their state's interests, policies, procedures and laws.  There are shared and separate powers belonging to each state and to the federal government, and these powers are explicit and implicit in the U.S. Constitution.  


 

U.S. Civics 101 - Review Slides for General information - Please See Page Links for More Detailed Information on Each Subject


    America's republic system of government

    America's Self-government System Was a Revolutionary Change From The Oppressive Rule Under a King

          No longer Subjects of a King, the United States formed a Constitutional Republic style government system. 

    Created by the People for the People. 

     

    Recognized names for the American Government System include: 

    - Republic

    - Constitution-based federal Republic

    - Representative Democracy

    (source: uscis.gov)


     In America, the People have personal freedoms & liberties, which neither the State or Federal government can encroach upon. 

    The Constitution limits the powers of government, and binds the People of each State together in this Republic system 

    of Self-governance. 


    The United States has a representative system of self-governance - Through the democratic process whereby citizens choose fellow citizens from their communities and states to represent them in their government bodies - to make laws; set policies to protect their 

    freedoms, liberties and general welfare.


    *

     U.S. Constitution Article VI:    The Senators and Representatives . . . and the Members of the several State Legislatures, and all executive and judicial Officers, both of the United States and of the several States, 

    shall be bound by Oath or Affirmation, to support this Constitution;

    but no religious Test shall ever be required as a Qualification to any Office or public Trust under the United States.    
    * 



    The Democratic Process is How We Elect Representatives to Office

         In order to control their government and protect their life, liberty  and pursuit of happiness, each citizen must be 

    actively involved through 

    direct participation as a leader/member, and/or in the voting process for their local, state and federal governments.


    - A Citizen's responsibility is to learn the pros and cons of each representative's political ideology; their voting record if they previously served in civil service, and then vote into office a person qualified 

    to serve on their behalf.


     Over the centuries, the Federal & State government's powers have grown.  The fear of the government becoming oppressive rulers was well documented by the States (Colonies) and was a focus of many debates when deciding to join together as a Union, under U.S. Constitution. 


    *
    It is up to an active, participating citizenship to keep Federal & State powers in check and stop a tyrannical government system from developing.
    *

     9th Amendment The enumeration of the Constitution, of certain rights, shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the People. 

    *


     Federal Government Representatives include: 

    • The U.S. Senate - Each state has two representatives  
    • The U.S. House of Representatives – Each state has a number of representatives commensurate with their state’s population.  

    *
     Currently, there are:

     100 Senators  

    435 House of Representatives   

    Government tyranny led the People to create a new government system - for the people - to protect individual liberty & freedom

    Timeline of major taxation events leading colonists to form new self-government system

      Growth of the Republic 1787 - Present

      civics 101 - united states Federal government

      The Law-making Power of the United States government is Limited to the Legislative Branch

      The Law-making Power of the United States government is Limited to the Legislative Branch

      U.S. Congress

            Congress has two chambers (bodies) A bicameral system  

      (the prefix bi is derived from Latin and means two; Latin cameralis refers to chamber)

       The Senate and the House of Representatives.


      Both chambers are 

      required to make laws.
       Neither chamber 

      of Congress 

      acting separately 

      can enact a law.      


      Congress cannot delegate 

      its power 

      to make laws 

      to an executive department or to an administrative officer, nor can any department or officer repeal, extend, or modify an act of Congress.  


           Article I, Section 1 of the U.S. Constitution states:   All legislative Powers herein granted shall be vested in a Congress of the United States, which shall consist of a Senate and House of Representatives.   Article I, Sections 

      1 – 10 include the following: 

       
      The Senate 

      1. How Senate is composed  

      2. Eligibility Requirements for office 

      3. Tenure of office  4. By whom chosen 

      5. When chosen 

       6. How classed

      7. Vacancies

      8. Vote

      9. Presiding officer 

      10. Senate Powers


      The House of Representatives 

      1. Proportion  

      2. Apportionment

      3. Eligibility 

      4. Term of office 

      5. By whom chosen 

      6. Electors 

      7. Vacancies

      8. Census 

       9. House powers 

      The Executive Branch - Law Enforcement Powers

      The Law-making Power of the United States government is Limited to the Legislative Branch

      U.S. President

      The President often acts in the capacity of America's diplomatic representative.


      The President is Commander in Chief of the Army and Navy of the United States.


      The Constitution states: 

      "he shall take Care that the Laws be faithfully executed . . ."
         

       Article II, Sections 1 & 2 of the U.S. Constitution states: 


      The executive Power shall be vested 

      in a President of the United States of America. 

      He shall hold his Office during the 

      Term of four Years, and, together 

      with the Vice President, 

      chosen for the same Term, 

      be elected, as follow:


      Each State shall appoint, in such 

      Manner as the Legislature 

      thereof may direct, 

      a Number

       of Electors, 

      equal to the whole Number of 

      Senators and Representatives 

      to which the State may be 

      entitled in the Congress . . .


        He shall have Power, by and with the Advice and Consent of the Senate, to make Treaties, provided two thirds of the Senators present concur; and he shall nominate, and by and with the Advice and Consent of the Senate, shall appoint Ambassadors, other public Ministers and Consuls, Judges of the supreme Court, and all other Officers of the United States, whose Appointments are not herein otherwise provided for, and which shall be established by Law . . .  


          Article II, Sections 1 – 4 

      include the following:

      1. Term of office

      2.  By whom chosen

      3. Voting & Electors

      4. Oath of Office

      5. Salary

      6. Powers & Duties

      7. Vacancies 

      The Judicial Branch - Power to Review Constitutionality & Equity of Laws & Treaties

      The Judicial Branch - Power to Review Constitutionality & Equity of Laws & Treaties

      U.S. Supreme Court

       Article III, Section 1 - 3 of the U.S. Constitution includes:


      The judicial Power of the 

      United States, shall be vested 

      in one supreme Court, and 

      in such inferior Courts 

      as the Congress may from 

      time to time ordain and establish. 

      The Judges, both of the 

      supreme and inferior Courts, 

      shall hold their Offices during good Behaviour, and shall, 

      at stated Times, 

      receive for their Services, a Compensation, which shall not be diminished during their 

      Continuance in Office.  


       The Judicial Power shall 

      extend to all Cases, 

      in Law and Equity, 

      arising under 

      this Constitution, 

      the Laws of 

      the United States, 

      and

       Treaties made, or 

      which shall be made, 

      under their Authority . . .  





      * *


          Please see links to Judical, Legislative, Executive Branches, and Constitution for further information.


      * *

      American Principles Found in The Federalist Papers #10 & #51

      1/2

      The Bill of Rights - Amendments I-X (1-10)

      01/12

      God & The Golden Rules - The Foundation of LifE & Law

      The Golden Rules of a Civil Society

      The Golden Rules of a Civil Society

      The Golden Rules of a Civil Society

       

      America was founded on the Judeo-Christian principles expressed in the Ten Commandments. The Biblical Abraham, has been widely accepted by Jewish, Christian and Muslim religions as the Father of all nations. Moses, as told by the Old Testament, brought the tablet of Commandments as stated by God, to all the People of the World to follow.   




       
       


      The Golden Rules of a Civil Society

      The Golden Rules of a Civil Society

       

      Throughout the ages, the Commandments IV-X (4-10) have been accepted universally as the "Golden" Rules, which are the basic behaviors expected in a civil society, and are the foundation of many laws in America and throughout the world. 



      In God We Trust

      In God We Trust

       "In God We Trust" refers to trust in  the Creator of life and the Universe. This saying does not refer to a particular religion or a government body which might claim to rule by divine right or any other right.


      * * *

       As referenced in the Declaration of Independence, our Creator of life is responsible for our birth right to equal and unalienable rights; to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness - Not a man or a government body.

        

      The U.S. Declaration of Independence begins:

      ”We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness . . ."

      E-Pluribus Unum

      E Pluribus Unum

      Latin for "Out of Many, One."


       Americans have individual freedoms & liberties to follow their own mind's ideas & ideals. Their right to think and speak freely is guaranteed protection by the U.S. Constitution. (There are exceptions when harm is caused to others.)


      There are many religions and religious-sects practiced in the United States, and the First Amendment of the Constitution provides the People the guaranteed freedom to believe or not believe in a religion or God - without government interference.  Also, no government body can establish a religion (or religious sect) which citizens must follow. 


      The First Amendment begins:

        "Congress shall make no laws respecting an

      Establishment of religion, or

      Prohibiting the free exercise thereof; 

      Or Abridging the Freedom of speech . . ."

      the old world brought thousands of years of normalized oppression to the US & change took time, blood & bravery

      U.S. History

      1500s Spain classified racial lineage

      U.S. Colony

      1600 - English Colony classifications

      Colonial Punishment - Stocks 
Public torture & humiliation
Methods imported from Europe

      Colonial punishment - Stocks

      Public humiliation was common.

      Indentured Servant in Colonial America

      Indentured Servants - Advertisement 

      White slaves for a specified time period.

      Native Americans

      Native Americans

      Slaves - Human trafficking

      Advertisement

      Slaves - Human trafficking

      Stocks as punishment

      Public punishment - humiliation as a deterrent brought from the old world.

      Religious Freedom

      Many came to America in search

      of religious freedom 

      American Revolution against British rule

      British subjects

      Restless for Freedom

      King George Proclamation against Rebellious Colonists

      King George Proclamation against Rebellious & Seditious Colonists

      Colonial America
Tarred and Feathered

      British loyalist & tax agents 

      were tarred and feathered 

      as public humiliation 

      and intimidation.  

      Don't Tread on Me

      Message of warning by colonist to King- Rattler is deadly when provoked.

      Colonial Publications

      Although many were illiterate,

       printed news spread the word 

      through public town square & 

      private aloud readings.

      Declaration of Independence

      After Declaration was signed, statue of King George III was toppled.

      George Washington

      A true Patriot, George Washington was the United States 1st President.

      U.S. Map 1750

      Map of U.S. 1750

      First 10 Amendments to U.S. Constitution
      U.S. Constitution Debate Photo by John Trumbull

      Founders - Debating the

       foundation of the Republic

      "Out of Many, One"

      Ellis Island Immigration entry

      New York -  From 1892 to 1924, Ellis Island was America's largest and most active immigration station, where over 12 million immigrants were processed. 

      Immigration

      Ellis Island Immigration in New York.

      Doctor conducts health check.

      Law & Order

      Law & Order comes to "Wild West"

      20th Century Immigrants 
Pledging allegiance to US, while holding to their old counties traditions.

      20th Century Immigrants 

      Assimilation & allegiance to US, while holding to their old county's traditions.

      U.S. Immigration and acculturation

      2nd generation immigrants reap 

      the benefits of a free education 

      to take advantage of many 

      opportunities in American society.


      Education cures poverty

      21st Century American 

      Education cures poverty

      American Principles & traditions

      The American Flag

      The Pledge of Allegiance

      Betsy Ross flag

      (Pictured above is original flag with 13 stars representing the 13 colonies)    

       

      Today, the 50 white stars on a blue field represent the 50 states.  

      The colors on the flag represent:


      • Red:  valor and bravery


      • White:  purity and innocence


      • Blue:  vigilance, perseverance 

      and justice


      • Stripes: The flag’s 13 alternating red and white stripes represent the original colonies   




      *


      Delicate Cluster


      Delicate cluster! flag of teeming life!

      Covering all my lands - all my seashores lining!

      Flag of death! (how I watch'd you through the smoke of battle pressing! How I heard you flap and rustle, cloth defiant!)

      Ah my silvery beauty - ah my wooly white and crimson!

      Ah to sing the song of you, my matron mighty!

      My sacred one, my mother! 


      - Walt Whitman, 1871


      Learn Flag Etiquette

      The Pledge of Allegiance

      The Pledge of Allegiance

      American Revolution


      "I pledge allegiance to the flag 

      of the United States of America, 

      and 

      to the republic 

      for which it stands, 

      one nation 

      under God, 

      indivisible, 

      with liberty 

      and 

      justice for all." 



      In Support of Allegiance 

      to the Republic


           U.S. Constitution, Article IV, Section 4: 


       The United States 

      shall guarantee 

      to every State in this Union 

      a Republican Form of Government, 

      and 

      shall protect each of them 

      against Invasion; 

      and . . . 

      against domestic Violence. 











         

        

      Basic Rights & Responsibilities of Citizens

      American Independence

      Right to Life 

      Right to Liberty

      Right to Pursuit of Happiness 

      Right to Equality under the law


      * 

      The people had all their rights and liberties before they created the Constitution.


      The Constitution was formed, among other purposes, to make the people's liberties secure - secure not only as against foreign attack but against oppression by their own government.


      They set specific limits upon their national government and upon the States, and 

      reserved to themselves all powers 

      that they did not grant. 


       (source: U.S. Constitution Sesquicentennial Commission, established by a 

      Joint Resolution of the Congress of 

      the United States, 

      approved August 23, 1935).   

      *
                      

      A Citizen's Responsibilities:


      Loyalty - to the United States and the words and spirit of the Constitution


      Obey - the laws of the United States


      Vote – Learn about your representatives and determine who will represent your interests best and the interests of America.


      Jury Duty – Participate in the court system as a juror to decide facts in legal cases involving peers in your community. 




       


      Excerpt from the Declaration of Independence

      Declaration of Independence

           "WE hold these Truths to be self-evident, that all Men are created equal, 

      that they are endowed by their Creator 

      with certain unalienable* Rights, 

      that among these are 

      Life, Liberty, and 

      the Pursuit of Happiness. 

           Governments are instituted 

      among Men, 

      deriving their 

      just Powers from 

      the Consent of the Governed,

       that whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these Ends, 

      it is the 

      Right of the People to 

      alter or to abolish it, and 

      to institute new Government, laying its Foundation on such Principles . . .


      We mutually Pledge to each other,

      Our Lives, Our Fortunes and

      Our Sacred Honor . . ."  

      July 4, 1776    


      * Unalienable - Permanent; cannot be removed

      The Preamble to the U.S. Constitution

      U.S. Constitution

         

      We, the people of the United States,


      1.  In order to form a more perfect union;


      2.  Establish justice;


      3.  Insure domestic tranquility;


      4.  Provide for the common defense;


      5.  Promote the general welfare; and,


      6.  Secure the blessing of liberty to 

      ourselves and our posterity,  

          do ordain and establish 

      this Constitution for the 

      United States of America.  



      The Economic System in America

      Capitalism

           There are two standard terms to describe America's economic system:  


      Capitalism  and  Free-Market


           This American economic system is 

      based on the market-system of 

      supply and demand 

      of goods and services.  

           

           Rather than the government controlling what to produce and who to produce it,  

      private citizens, as entrepreneurs* own businesses (as a method of financial support and creating wealth). Entrepreneurs use

      the "free" market system to determine which products & services people want and need.  Entrepreneurs try to meet the supply of those needs & wants and consumers are free to choose what to purchase (demand). 


      * An Entrepreneur is one who 

      assumes financial 

      & other risks 

      to undertake a private 

      business venture.

           

           

      U.S. Supreme Court - Major Free speech Cases

      Freedom of speech INCLUDES the right:


      •  To engage in symbolic speech, (e.g., burning the flag in protest). Texas v. Johnson, 491 U.S. 397 (1989); United States v. Eichman, 496 U.S. 310 (1990). 


      • "The First Amendment affords protection to symbolic or expressive conduct as well as to actual speech. 
      • See, e.g., R. A. V. v. City of St. Paul, 505 U. S., at 382; Texas v. Johnson, supra, at 405-406; United States v. O'Brien, 391 U. S. 367, 376-377 (1968); Tinker v. Des Moines Independent Community School Dist., 393 U. S. 503, 505 (1969). . ." (Source:   

      Virginia v. Black - Supreme Court Opinions | Sandra Day O'Connor Institute Digital Library (oconnorlibrary.org)

      ***


      • Not to speak (specifically, the right not to salute the flag).
        West Virginia Board of Education v. Barnette, 319 U.S. 624 (1943).


      • Of students to wear black armbands to school to protest a war (“Students do not shed their constitutional rights at the schoolhouse gate.”).
        Tinker v. Des Moines, 393 U.S. 503 (1969).


      • To use certain offensive words and phrases to convey political messages.
        Cohen v. California, 403 U.S. 15 (1971).


      • To contribute money (under certain circumstances) to political campaigns.
        Buckley v. Valeo, 424 U.S. 1 (1976).


      • To advertise commercial products and professional services (with some restrictions).
        Virginia Board of Pharmacy v. Virginia Consumer Council, 425 U.S. 748 (1976); Bates v. State Bar of Arizona, 433 U.S. 350 (1977). 
      • (see source: uscourts.gov)

      ***

      • The protections afforded by the First Amendment, however, are not absolute, and we have long recognized that the government may regulate certain categories of expression consistent with the Constitution. See, e. g., Chaplinsky v. New Hampshire, 315 U. S. 568, 571-572 (1942) ("There are certain well-defined and narrowly limited classes of speech, the prevention and punishment of which has never been thought to raise any Constitutional problem").  Virginia v. Black - Supreme Court Opinions | Sandra Day O'Connor Institute Digital Library (oconnorlibrary.org)


      FREE TRADE IN IDEAS is the hallmark of the protection of free speech

      Two people arguing photo by radiorebelde.cu

        

      First Amendment: 

      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.

      (Source: U.S. Constitution)

      ***

        

      The First Amendment, applicable to the States through the Fourteenth Amendment, provides that "Congress shall make no law . . . abridging the freedom of speech." 

      The hallmark of the protection of free speech is to allow "free trade in ideas"-even ideas that the overwhelming majority of people might find distasteful or discomforting. 

      Abrams v. United States, 250 U. S. 616, 630 (1919) (Holmes, J., dissenting); see also Texas v. Johnson, 491 U. S. 397, 414 (1989). 


      ("If there is a bedrock principle underlying the First Amendment, it is that the government may not prohibit the expression of an idea simply because society finds the idea itself offensive or disagreeable"). 


      Thus, the First Amendment "ordinarily" denies a State "the power to prohibit dissemination of social, economic and political doctrine which a vast majority of its citizens believes to be false and fraught with evil consequence." Whitney v. California, 274 U. S. 357, 374 (1927) (Brandeis, J., concurring) . . .



      The First Amendment permits "restrictions upon the content of speech in a few limited areas, which are 'of such slight social value as a step to truth that any benefit that may be derived from them is clearly outweighed by the social interest in order and morality.'" R. A. V. v. City of St. Paul, supra, at 382-383 (quoting Chaplinsky v. New Hampshire, supra, at 572).

      Thus, for example, a State may punish those words "which by their very utterance inflict injury or tend to incite an immediate breach of the peace." Chaplinsky v. New Hampshire, supra, at 572; see also R. A. V. v. City of St. Paul, supra, at 383 (listing limited areas where the First Amendment permits restrictions on the content of speech). We have consequently held that fighting words-"those personally abusive epithets which, when addressed to the ordinary citizen, are, as a matter of common knowledge, inherently likely to provoke violent reaction" -are generally proscribable under the First Amendment. Cohen v. California, 403 U. S. 15, 20 (1971); see also Chaplinsky v. New Hampshire, supra, at 572.  

      • Virginia v. Black - Supreme Court Opinions | Sandra Day O'Connor Institute Digital Library (oconnorlibrary.org)

      .


      Freedom of speech does NOT include the right:

      Freedom of speech does NOT include the right:

       

      To incite imminent lawless action.
      Brandenburg v. Ohio, 395 U.S. 444 (1969).


      •  . . ."the constitutional guarantees of free speech and free press do not permit a State to forbid or proscribe advocacy of the use of force or of law violation except where such advocacy is directed to inciting or producing imminent lawless action and is likely to incite or produce such action." Brandenburg v. Ohio, 395 U. S. 444, 447 (1969) (per curiam). 
      • And the First Amendment also permits a State to ban a "true threat." Watts v. United States, 394 U. S. 705, 708 (1969) (per curiam) (internal quotation marks omitted); accord, R. A. V. v. City of St. Paul, supra, at 388 
      • ("[T]hreats of violence are outside the First Amendment"); Madsen v. Women's Health Center, Inc., 512 U. S. 753, 774 (1994); Schenck v. Pro-Choice Network of Western N.Y., 519 U. S. 357, 373 (1997)  

      Virginia v. Black - Supreme Court Opinions | Sandra Day O'Connor Institute Digital Library (oconnorlibrary.org)


      • To make or distribute obscene materials.
        Roth v. United States, 354 U.S. 476 (1957).


      • To burn draft cards as an anti-war protest.
        United States v. O’Brien, 391 U.S. 367 (1968).


      • To permit students to print articles in a school newspaper over the objections of the school administration. 
        Hazelwood School District v. Kuhlmeier, 484 U.S. 260 (1988).


      • Of students to make an obscene speech at a school-sponsored event.
        Bethel School District #43 v. Fraser, 478 U.S. 675 (1986).


      • Of students to advocate illegal drug use at a school-sponsored event.
        Morse v. Frederick, __ U.S. __ (2007).


      Source: https://www.uscourts.gov/about-federal-courts/educational-resources/about-educational-outreach/activity-resources/what-does

      Disclaimer: These resources are created by the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts for use in educational activities only. They may not reflect the current state of the law, and are not intended to provide legal advice, guidance on litigation, or commentary on legislation. 


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