Unit 9

Which of the following actions is protected by the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution?

• A. A supervisor of elections mails out a voter i.d. card to a new voter.

• B. A defendant cannot afford an attorney and requests a public defender.

• C. A FBI agents provides a warrant before searching an individual's home.

• D. A newspaper prints an opinion piece criticizing a bill passed by Congress.

Answer explanation

The First Amendment protects freedom of speech, which includes the right of newspapers to express opinions. Therefore, option D, where a newspaper criticizes a bill, is protected under this amendment.

Why does the U.S. Supreme Court continue to debate the constitutionality of the death penalty?

• A. Citizens are protected from unreasonable search and seizure.

• B. Citizens are protected from cruel and unusual punishment.

• C. Citizens are protected against double jeopardy.

• D. Citizens are protected against unfair trails.

Answer explanation

The U.S. Supreme Court debates the death penalty's constitutionality primarily due to the Eighth Amendment, which protects citizens from cruel and unusual punishment, making option B the correct choice.

Where can a description of U.S. citizens' civil liberties be found?

• Declaration of Independence

• Preamble of the Constitution

• Pledge of Allegiance

• Bill of Rights

Answer explanation

A description of U.S. citizens' civil liberties can be found in the Bill of Rights, which comprises the first ten amendments to the Constitution, explicitly outlining individual rights and freedoms.

How has minority group participation in the political process expanded over time?

• The U.S. Supreme Court advocated for the broadening of voting rights among social groups.

• Voters supported greater political participation among minority groups through elections.

• Protest movements led to the creation of legislation that increased access to suffrage.

• The states demanded that the federal government increase civil liberties.

Answer explanation

Over time, minority group participation in politics has expanded due to Supreme Court advocacy for voting rights, voter support in elections, and protest movements that led to legislation enhancing suffrage access.

What constitutional provisions protected the rights of civil rights leaders to carry out the March on Washington?

• Freedom of the press & freedom of religion

• Freedom of speech & right to peaceably assembly

• Right to petition the government & protection from self-incrimination

• Right to just compensation for property taken & right to due process

Answer explanation

The March on Washington was protected by the constitutional provisions of freedom of speech and the right to peaceably assemble, allowing civil rights leaders to express their views and gather for their cause.

How does the Constitution limit our individual rights?

• A. Citizens cannot exercise rights that could cause harm to others unnecessarily.

• B. Citizens cannot assemble for peaceful purposes to protest the government.

• C. Citizens cannot criticize government officials in the press.

Answer explanation

The Constitution limits individual rights to prevent harm to others. Choice A correctly states that rights cannot be exercised if they cause unnecessary harm, while B and C misrepresent the protections of free assembly and speech.

Which of the following statements is FALSE?

• A. The government can limit the right to protest if protesters are destroying the property of others.

• B. The government can suspend habeas corpus to protect public safety during a rebellion or invasion.

• C. The government can block the political advertisements of candidates running against the President of the United States.

• D. The government can confiscate an individual's land for the public good, as long as the individual is paid fairly for their land.

Answer explanation

Choice C is false because the government cannot block political advertisements based on the candidates' opposition to the President, as this would violate free speech rights protected by the First Amendment.

What was the impact of the reasoning in this decision?

• A. States were forced to end all racial segregation in public schools.

• B. States were required to ensure the economic and social equality of all races.

• C. States were protected by the 10th Amendment when creating laws that enforced segregation.

• D. States were permitted to maintain racially segregated schools so long as these were equally good.

Answer explanation

The decision mandated that states end all racial segregation in public schools, establishing that separate educational facilities are inherently unequal, thus supporting civil rights and promoting integration.

The newspaper headline below shows an important step in amending the U.S. Constitution. Daily News July 9, 1868 14th Amendment Ratified Privileges and Immunities of all Citizens Protected All Citizens Guaranteed Due Process and Equal Protection.

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Answer explanation

The ratification of the 14th Amendment in 1868 was crucial as it established the privileges and immunities of all citizens, ensuring due process and equal protection under the law, which were significant advancements in civil rights.

What was the intended effect of the 14th Amendment?

• Citizens were guaranteed a future bill of rights.

• Women were allowed to vote in all federal elections.

• Citizens were protected against unfair and unreasonable acts by state governments.

• No state could secede from the Union without the permission of the remaining states.

Answer explanation

The 14th Amendment aimed to protect citizens from unfair actions by state governments, ensuring equal protection under the law and due process, which is reflected in the correct answer.