Texas vs. Johnson

In the excerpt from Texas v. Johnson Majority Opinion, what is Justice Brennan’s major claim?

• The nation’s flag is the most important symbol of American ideals and freedoms, and burning it should be illegal.

• Americans’ First Amendment rights include the right to burn the flag in protest.

• The act of burning the nation’s flag hurts the United States and the First Amendment.

In paragraph 3 of Texas v. Johnson Majority Opinion, Brennan paraphrases the opinion of Justice Holmes from another court case. What is the most likely reason Brennan might have for doing this?

• Holmes, Brennan’s close friend, needs support for his court opinion.

• Holmes gives a popular opinion that is unimportant to Brennan’s views but of interest to readers.

• Holmes provides authoritative evidence to support Brennan’s views.

How does Justice Rehnquist support his opinion in Texas v. Johnson Dissent?

• He quotes from patriotic songs and documents to stir emotions.

• He cites prior rulings to demonstrate the flaws in the case.

• He shares his personal philosophy to illustrate the proper way to disagree.

In Texas v. Johnson Majority Opinion, Brennan says, "The way to preserve the flag's special role is not to punish those who feel differently about these matters. It is to persuade them that they are wrong." What is the purpose of this statement?

• To persuade the readers that the only way to make people respect the flag is by making burning it illegal

• To show that people should respect the flag by persuasion not obligation

• To show that respecting the flag means people are not allowed to feel differently about the matter

Which court opinion mentioned that the American flag symbolizes the United States and not political parties?

• Texas v. Johnson Majority Opinion

• Texas v. Johnson Dissent

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Which court opinion mentioned that one person’s actions cannot change widely held feelings.

• Texas v. Johnson Majority Opinion

• Texas v. Johnson Dissent

According to the Majority Opinion, what may the government do regarding the flag?

• arrest people who show disrespect toward it

• encourage people to treat it properly

• give it special treatment under the law

• require people to salute it

A compulsion is a

• binding contract.

• forced obligation.

• free choice.

• guiding principle.