Library of Congress
Loc: Religion and the Founding of American Rep.: Religion and the Federal Gov
This site from the Library of Congress presents selections of articles, writings, and pictures that summarize the beliefs of the early American politicians that morality and personal independence were essential for the country. Links to...
Stanford University
Political Communication Lab
An interactive website that is dedicated to gathering and disseminating public opinion on a variety of issues that shape U.S. politics.
Penguin Publishing
Penguin Random House: "Censorship: An Educator's Guide"
Activities, writing prompts, points of discussion and some additional resources are offered here to help with teaching about free speech and censorship.
Wikimedia
Wikipedia: Schenck v. United States
This encyclopedia entry summarizes the landmark Supreme Court case of Schenck v. United States, which pitted the right of free speech against the 1917 Espionage Act.
CNN
Cnn: 10 Commandments Judge Removed From Office
An important situation in regard to the subject of the separation of church and state. At this CNN site, read about Judge Roy Moore and his stand on the Ten Commandments.
PBS
Pbs Teachers: Freedom to Worship (Lesson Plan)
A lesson plan designed to investigate the conditions and difficulties facing immigrants who have sought religious freedom in the United States throughout history. Requires viewing of select segments from "Destination America," the...
Other
Streetlaw: Rights in the Community
This website provides several links and introductory information on the Constitution, freedom of speech, freedom of the press, expression in special places, freedom of religion, due process, the right to privacy, discrimination, and...
ReadWriteThink
Read Write Think: Censorship in the Classroom
Online instructional activity that challenges learners to examine the past and present practice of censorship in the classroom, in particular the "Banned books," from high school curriculums. Students research reasons for censorship and...
Illinois Institute of Technology
Oyez Project: Agostini v. Felton
The U.S. Supreme Court case that dealt with violations in the Establishment Clause in public and parochial schools is detailed with an abstract providing a concise summary and a record of the justices that sat on the court at that time....
Illinois Institute of Technology
Oyez: Aguilar v. Felton
Concise overview of the Aguilar v. Felton Supreme Court case. Included are facts of the case, subjects, question presented, and the conclusion.
Illinois Institute of Technology
Oyez Project: New York Times v. United States (1971)
This U.S. Supreme Court case allowed the publication of the "Pentagon Papers." The OYEZ resource provides an abstract containing a concise summary, an audio file, a link to the full text of the decision and a record of how the justices...
Library of Congress
Loc: America's Story: Equal Status of Jewish Americans
This 3-page article provides a general overview of George Washington recognizing the equal status of Jewish Americans in 1790.
Read Works
Read Works: Battle Over the Pledge
[Free Registration/Login Required] An informational text debating whether or not the Pledge of Allegiance should be said in schools. A question sheet is available to help students build skills in reading comprehension.
Annenberg Foundation
Annenberg Learner: Civil Liberties Recap: You Be the Judge
How well can you decide the balance of civil liberties? Review three case summaries as well as the laws and facts about each case and arguments, and then make a ruling.
Thomson Reuters
Find Law: u.s. Supreme Court: Schenck v. u.s. (1919)
Provided is a summary of the Supreme Court case of Schenck v. U.S. involving espionage, free speech, and anti-war propaganda.
Other
Bitlaw: Fair Use in Copyright
An article that explains the "fair Use" issues in the copyright law.
Other
The National Law Journal: Home Page
The National Law Journal provides the latest news, legal information and e-law services for the legal professions and law students.
Other
Common Sense Americanism: Schenck v. United States
This summary provides the background for Schenck v. United States, a World War I-era Supreme Court case involving free speech. Schenck is an example of what can happen to basic constitutional rights in time of war.
iCivics
I Civics: Hazelwood School District v. Kuhlmeier (1988)
This mini-lesson covers the basics of the Supreme Court's decision that established a school principal's right to censor student articles in the school newspaper. Students learn about the limits on student free speech in a school...
PBS
Pbs Learning Media: Promoting Understanding: Islam Collection
Use this toolkit to promote understanding about Islam through study of the culture, traditions, and personal stories of Muslim Americans. Engaging videos, background essays, discussion questions, and teaching tips challenge students to...
Other
Insight: Should There Be a Chaplain in Congress?
This site discusses the issue of whether having a chaplain in the Congress is contradictory to the First Amendment. It includes a discussion of the related Supreme Court case, Marsh vs. Chambers. (Published March 20, 2000)
PBS
James Goodale: The Interview
An interview with James Goodale, the general counsel for "The New York Times" during the Pentagon Papers case, concerning the Pentagon Papers and the First Amendment.
Texas State Library and Archives Commission
Texas State Library and Archives Commission: The 1860s: Reconstruction
Here is an article on the Reconstruction, which touches briefly on several issues that arose during this period, specifically in Texas: President Johnson's Reconstruction plan, assimilation and rights of freed slaves, the 13th and 14th...
University of Groningen
American History: Biographies: George Mason 1725 1792 Introduction
This site is provided for by the University of Groningen. Leader of the Anti-federalist faction against strong national government, Mason fought the ratification of the U.S. Constitution for protection for individual rights; read this...