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Freedom of the Press Viewing Guide Answer Key

  1. What is the role of freedom of the press in a self-governing society? It informs the people, ensures they hear diverse views, and holds individuals and the government accountable for their actions.
  2. What is the definition of “the press”? Any technology used to communicate an individual’s opinions.
  3. What did the Sedition Act of 1791 outlaw? The publication of “false, scandalous, or malicious” writing that criticized Congress, the president, or the government.
  4. What did the Supreme Court rule in Near v. Minnesota? It overturned a Minnesota law that allowed the government to prevent the publication of materials by a newspaper that had previously published obscene, false, or scandalous content.
  5. What did the Supreme Court rule in New York Times v. United States? It ruled that the publication of the Pentagon Papers did not justify enough of a national security concern to allow the government to practice prior restraint.