Homework 3.3 (Assigned 2/3)

A.  Read the following article:  Taking the First Amendment Global

1.    Do you support the author's claim that advances in information technology require our government to advocate for a free press in oppressive countries?  Why or why not?

2.    Do you believe that we will see a loosening or tightening of press regulation in countries such as Iran and China in the coming years?  Why?

3.  Based on his political philosophy, what would George Washington write in response to this article?


B.  Practice FRQ:

2. The First Amendment includes two clauses relating to the freedom of religion.

(a) Select one of the following cases and identify the First Amendment clause upon which the United States Supreme Court based its decision.

• Engel v. Vitale (school prayer)

• Lemon v. Kurtzman (state funding for private religious schools)

(b) Describe the Supreme Court’s decision in the case that you selected in (a).

(c) Select one of the following cases and identify the First Amendment clause upon which the Supreme Court based its decision.

• Reynolds v. United States (polygamy)

• Oregon v. Smith (drug use in religious ceremonies)

(d) Describe the Supreme Court’s decision in the case that you selected in (c).

(e) Many of these decisions have caused controversy in the United States. Describe two ways in which other political institutions might limit the impact of Supreme Court decisions.