American Flag Stands for Tolerance

Allen compares the Supreme Court decision on flag burning with the Chinese government’s decision regarding protesters in Tiananmen Square to show that

• the U.S. and China agree on how to treat protesters
• protests are becoming less peaceful around the world.
• allowing protest is fundamental to the U.S. ideal.
• the two events have little relationship to one another.

What is Allen’s attitude toward those who think that burning the flag should not be allowed as a form of protest?

• He believes they are ignorant and narrow-minded.
• He fears that they want to eliminate all forms of protest.
• He strongly supports their position.
• He understands and respects their concerns.

According to Allen, what distinguishes the United States from other countries is

• a commitment to “freedoms of conscience and expression.”
• a “widespread and deeply felt reverence” for the flag.
• the “imposition of governmental orthodoxy in political speech.”
• requiring people to show a “modicum of respect” for the flag.

Allen says that some people infer that “freedom of expression stops at the border of the flag.” What is the meaning of the words in quotation marks?

• Each country has the right to protect its flag from protesters.
• Harming the flag is not allowed under freedom of expression.
• People cannot express themselves within U.S. borders.
• People cannot protest at government buildings where the flag is flown.

Allen's point of view is that burning the flag sparks controversy because it

• communicates in a powerful way.
• endangers people’s lives and property.
• facilitates meaningful dialogue.
• threatens Americans’ basic freedoms.

Which sentence best summarizes how the First Amendment protects freedom of expression?

• Only expression that offends no one is protected.
• Speech is protected but symbolic actions are not.
• Even distasteful expressions of opinion are protected.
• There are no exceptions to freedom of expression.

What word is most closely related to the meaning of sanctity?

• hypocrisy
• irreverence
• sacredness
• wickedness

A dogma is a principle most often put forth by

• an authority
• an individual
• a minority
• a child

Choose the answer that best paraphrases this passage: "Thus, we do have one official dogma-each American may think and express anything he wants. The exception is expression that involves the risk of injury to others and the destruction of someone else's property."

• The official dogma in America is that we shouldn't burn flags to express our dissatisfaction with the government.
• The belief system of America is that we can believe/think anything we want, as long as we don't physically harm anyone or their belongings.

Although this argument expresses a variety of viewpoints, the main claim can best be described as:

• The flag stands for free expression of ideas, no matter how distasteful.

• To submit to any dogma is simply another form of dogma.

• No one has the authority to desecrate the American Flag.

• The American flag is a cherished symbol of our national aspirations.