20
QuizMultiple Choice

Branches of Government: Judicial Interpretation of the Constitution — Test

Question 20 • Principles of American Democracy

The events surrounding Tinker v. Des Moines involved a school. Which statement best explains why the Supreme Court ruled in the students’ favor?

Answer
A
The protest was an act of civil disobedience.
B
The events involved symbolic speech without disruption.
C
The events involved controversial issues.
D
The First Amendment always applies to issues of speech.

Explanation

The students wore black armbands to express opposition to the Vietnam War, which was symbolic speech protected by the First Amendment. The school did not show that the armbands caused a substantial disruption to school activities, so the Court ruled in the students’ favor. Controversy alone does not justify restricting student expression.

AI-written and checked against the verified answer.

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