DIRECTIONS: Write an analytical essay in which you express your thoughts carefully, logically, and effectively. Be sure to respond to all parts of the assignment. Provide examples and evidence to support your ideas. Your typed essay must be submitted in MLA format.
Your paper must meet the following standards:
• Typed in Times New Roman Font (size 12)
• 5 full pages of text - No more than 6 (this is an essay, not a thesis)
• 1 inch margins all around
• All text (except the title and page numbers) must be aligned to the left
• Have a minimum of 5 sources from appropriate academic sources
• MLA formatted in-text citations
• MLA formatted Works Cited page
• Family name and page number in the upper right header of each page
DO NOT WRITE ON A TOPIC OTHER THAN THE OPTIONS AVAILABLE BELOW
The First Amendment to the US Constitution says,
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.
Taking the First Amendment into consideration, choose one of the following questions and write a focused and well-organized essay that answers it fully:
1. Should a business person be allowed to refuse to provide products or services to others because their religious beliefs forbid them from doing so?
o Why or why not?
o Discuss whether your answer would be different if the person who refuses to serve others is a private business owner or a government employee.
2. Should colleges and universities have "speech codes" that limit free speech or expression?
o Why or why not?
o Discuss whether there should be exceptions for certain types of speech.
- For example, should universities cancel or refuse to schedule controversial speakers or events to avoid offending members of the university community?
3. Recently some athletes have chosen to express their social and political views by refusing to stand during the playing of the National Anthem. Some members of the public have supported their right to express their viewpoints in this manner, while others have become angry and demanded that they be punished in some way for refusing to stand.
o Are protests of this type appropriate? What types of response are acceptable when such protests occur?
4. Choose a first amendment legal case (such as "Bong Hits for Jesus" - there are many, many others). Describe the major issues involved and the outcome of the case. Make a case for an alternate outcome.