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Political Intolerance Worksheet

Directions: Why is it important in a free society to allow for a diversity of political views? What is the danger of one side shutting out its opponents with the force of law? How can citizens ensure that public discussions are open and civil? What challenges arise in having a variety of opinions to have voice? Why is political tolerance important to maintain in spite of these challenges?

“[E]very difference of opinion is not a difference of principle. We have called by different names brethren of the same principle….Whatever their differences, both parties are loyal to the same Constitution and its principles—though they may interpret and apply them somewhat differently.””
–THOMAS JEFFERSON, “FIRST INAUGURAL ADDRESS,” 1801