New York Times v. United States (1971)

Which of these best describes the “Pentagon Papers”?

• A list of known or suspected Communists working for the U.S. Government.

• A detailed blueprint of the Pentagon, which had been stolen by spies.

• A weekly newsletter published for those who worked at the Pentagon.

• A detailed history of U.S. involvement in the Vietnam Conflict.

The U.S. Government claimed that the New York Times was violating which law?

• The Espionage Act of 1917

• The 1st Amendment

• The Freedom of Information Act

• The News Print Exclusionary Act

The New York Times claimed that which of its rights were being violated?

• 8th Amendment right to freedom from cruel and unusual punishment.

• 1st Amendment right to freedom of the press.

• 4th Amendment right to freedom from illegal search and seizure.

• 1st Amendment right to freedom of religion.

Which of the following best describes the Supreme Court’s decision in

New York Times v. United States?

• The Court ruled that the New York Times could publish the list of suspected

  communists without consent or approval from the government.

• The Court upheld the newspaper’s right to publish articles of a religious nature.

• The Court upheld the newspaper’s right to publish the documents.

• The Court ruled that the newspaper must cease and desist all publications.

In the process of reaching their decision, the Supreme Court ruled in

New York Times v. United States that the government had failed to do what?

• Prove that “grave and irreparable damage” would have occurred to the American public.

• The government had failed to justify its actions under the First Amendment.
• The government had failed to demonstrate a clear threat to national security.
• The government had failed to provide sufficient evidence for its case.

The Pentagon Papers was a history of U.S. involvement in the Vietnam Conflict from

1954 up to 1976.

• True

• False

The New York Post somehow obtained a copy of this document and in 1971.

• True

• False

The New York Times felt that their 1st Amendment rights to freedom of the press

were being violated.

• True

• False

The Supreme Court heard arguments for New York Times v. United States on

June 25th and 26th of 1971.

• True

• False

The decision reached in New York Times v. United States established new

precedents towards 1st Amendment freedom of religion rights which are still

followed today.

• True

• False