Does a public school policy permitting student-led, student-initiated prayers at football games violate the Establishment Clause? This case summary shows how the Supreme Court answered this question in 2000.
Snyder v. Phelps (2011)
Can individuals/organizations be held liable for intentional infliction of emotional distress when commenting on matters of public concern? This case summary shows how the Supreme Court answered this question in 2011.
Town of Greece v. Galloway (2013)
Did the Town of Greece’s practice of opening board meetings with a prayer violate the First Amendment? This case summary shows how the Supreme Court answered this question in 2013.
The Sedition Act: Certain Crimes Against the United States
The Sedition Act of 1798 passed during John Adam’s administration by the Federalist Party touched off a lively debate about the right of free speech. It also presented an early test case to the citizens and government of the United States. In times of war or imminent danger, how do you balance the need for security with the rights of individuals? How can partisan politics affect the process of shaping security policies?
Birth of a Nation, the NAACP, and the Balancing of Rights
In this lesson, students learn how The Birth of a Nation reflected and influenced racial attitudes, and they analyze and evaluate the efforts of the NAACP to prohibit showing of the film.
Norman Rockwell, Freedom of Speech—Know It When You See It
This lesson plan highlights the importance of First Amendment rights by examining Norman Rockwell’s painting of The Four Freedoms. Students discover the First Amendment in action as they explore their own community and country through newspapers, art, and role playing.
U.S. v. Alvarez (2012)
Does a law that punishes a lie about having received a military honor violate the First Amendment? This case summary shows how the Supreme Court answered this question in 2012.
Constitutional Index – Raise and Support Armies Clause
The Constitutional Index breaks down the U.S. Constitution by Section, Amendment, and Clause and contains broader topics and themes. These are used to cross-reference Library resources in an effort to annotate constitutional history.
United States Founding Documents
A gallery of study resources about significant primary source documents from American history. This gallery highlights resources designed to enhance study of a few significant primary source documents from American history.
How Women Won the Right to Vote
In 1848, a small group of visionaries started a movement to secure equal rights for women in the United States. But it took more than 70 years just to win the right for women to vote.