Texas v. Johnson Primary Source Analysis

Students will read excerpts from Justice Brennan's majority opinion and Chief Justice Rehnquist's dissenting opinion on Texas v. Johnson regarding flag burning and whether it is protected under freedom of expression. They will then answer 24 questions of varying degrees of difficulty. The answers are included where appropriate and this would be great for a sub! 

Sample questions include:
--What does Brennan acknowledge in the first paragraph to be the limit, or not, of the First Amendment?
--Explain the meaning of the phrase, “bedrock principle.” Then, rewrite the subsequent sentiment in your own words to demonstrate understanding.
--Identify the “territory” Brennan does not want the justice system wading into.
--Explain the relevance of the Ft. McHenry reference.
--On what grounds does Rehnquist see the prohibition of flag burning being justified?
--Did Rehnquist effectively counter Brennan’s excerpt, why or why not?
--Did this ruling alter the bounds of freedom and liberties Americans had, why or why not?

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