First Amendment: Freedom of the Press

Susan Lewis
7 min read
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Study Guide Overview
This study guide covers Freedom of the Press, focusing on its First Amendment protection, the principle of prior restraint, and its significance in a democratic society. It explores the landmark Supreme Court case New York Times Co. v. United States (1971) involving the Pentagon Papers, emphasizing the government's burden in justifying prior restraint. Finally, the guide provides practice questions and exam tips for the AP Government exam.
#Freedom of the Press: Your Ultimate AP Gov Review 📰
Hey future AP Gov rockstars! Let's break down freedom of the press – a crucial topic for your exam. Think of this as your late-night study buddy, here to make sure you're feeling confident and ready to ace it!
#What is Freedom of the Press?
The First Amendment protects the freedom of the press, which is essential for a healthy democracy. It allows for:
- Dissemination of information and ideas
- A check against government power and abuse
Freedom of the press is a cornerstone of a democratic society. It ensures the public is informed and holds the government accountable.
The framers included this right to prevent the government from controlling the flow of information. It protects:
- The right to print and distribute news and opinions
- The right of journalists to gather and report information without government interference
#Source: Freedom House
#New York Times Co. v. United States (1971)
This landmark case is super important, so let's get into it! 💡
#The Pentagon Papers
In 1971, the Pentagon Papers, a secret report on American involvement in Vietnam, were leaked by Daniel Ellsberg to the New York Times. 😳 This led to a major legal battle.
#The Supreme Court Case
New York Times Co. v. United States (1971) reinforced the principle of freedom of the press, particularly regarding national security. The key takeaway? The Supreme Court established a strong principle aga...

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