2301+M2+Week+6

Week Six
 * GOVT 2301

Public Opinion and Freedom of Speech**

Democracy rests on the consent of the governed, meaning -- in essence -- public opinion. Public policy is expected to follow public opinion, but the Constitution is also designed to curtail the direct and negative impact of public opinion on policy, the rights of minority factions, and issues defined as reflective of the greater interest of society. The people are checked as much as any other source of power in the American governmental system. When we think about public opinion in the Unted States we have to consider both the legal circumstances surrounding its expression as well as its substantive nature.


 * Sources:**


 * [|The Marketplace of Ideas].
 * Answers.com: [|Freedom of Speech].
 * Wikipedia: [|Freedom of Speech in America].
 * Answers.com: [|Seditious Libel].
 * [|Click here for general information about public opinion polling].
 * Pew Research Center: [|Trends in Political Values and Core Attitudes 1987 - 2007].
 * Gallup Poll: [|Election 2008 Page].


 * Assignments:

Write at least 150 words on each of the following.**

Due: April 26 email your answers to me.
 * 1) What are the arguments in favor of freedom of speech?
 * 2) When is it OK for individual expressions to be limited or subject to punishment?
 * 3) What are the foundations of public opinion in America?
 * 4) What has the election of 2008 told us about the nature of public opinion in American now?