Overview

 

Bill of Rights: Freedom of Expression
GRADE LEVEL(S)
Upper elementary to middle school

TIMEFRAME
1-2 class periods plus 1 summative assessment

ALIGNMENTS 

TEXTS/MATERIALS

National:

  • Bill of Rights Day

We the People: The Citizen & the Constitution

  • Unit 4, Lesson 17: How Does the Constitution Protect Your Right to Freedom of Expression? (Level 1)
  • Unit 5, Lesson 23: How Does the Constitution Protect Freedom of Expression? (Level 2)

Educating for American Democracy (EAD) Roadmap:

  • Theme 5: Institutional and Social Transformation
  • CDQ: Which rights does the Constitution and its amendments express as affirmative rights and which as negative rights?
  

COMPELLING QUESTION

 Do we really have freedom of speech?

SUPPORTING QUESTION(S)

 How has our freedom of speech changed over time?

LESSON OBJECTIVES 

VOCABULARY
  • Analyze how interpretations of First Amendment rights to speech and press have changed over time.
  • Identify examples of limited and protected First Amendment rights.
  • censorship: Limitations by the government on an individual’s right to speak or publish
  • defamation: Saying or writing something about another person that hurts their reputation

TEACHER BACKGROUND
  • The First Amendment to the United States Constitution states, "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.”
  • These may be the 45 most important words in our democracy. The First Amendment protects our most basic freedoms. In fact, the First Amendment is often referred to as the Five Freedoms. This inquiry allows for students to evaluate the fundamental right to freedom of expression. Teachers should understand the power and purpose of our freedom of speech and the press. Additionally, teachers should be knowledgeable about how these freedoms have been protected and limited over time and how they have had a direct impact on our democracy. Teachers can find additional background support resources as follows:

SEL FOCUS
 
Students will develop their responsible decision-making by
  • identifying problems when First Amendment rights have been violated,
  • analyzing situations to determine if First Amendment rights have been protected or limited and collaborating in peer groups, and
  • reflecting on new learning by completing the Inquiry Reflection Tool.

ASSESS & AUTHENTICALLY ENGAGE

  • Students will demonstrate their understanding of how First Amendment rights have evolved over time by creating a podcast. Teachers may assess by using the assessment rubric.
  • Students will participate in self-reflection by completing the Inquiry Reflection Tool.  
 
About

CCE LogoThis site is brought to you by the Center for Civic Education. The Center's mission is to promote an enlightened and responsible citizenry committed to democratic principles and actively engaged in the practice of democracy. The Center has reached more than 30 million students and their teachers since 1965. Learn more.

Center for Civic Education

5115 Douglas Fir Road, Suite J
Calabasas, CA 91302

  Phone: (818) 591-9321

  Email: web@civiced.org

  Media Inquiries: cce@civiced.org

  Website: www.civiced.org

© Center for Civic Education