Library of Virginia
Virginia Memory: Constitution Day Activities: Middle and High 2
What would life be like without the freedoms of speech, press, religion, assembly, and the right to petition?
Independence Hall Association
U.s. History: Beginnings of Revolutionary Thinking: Trial of John Peter Zenger
Freedom of the press? That was not always an accepted right. Read about the trial of John Peter Zenger, who was accused of libel for printing truths about the royal governor of New York. Find out the outcome of the trial and what it...
Digital History
Digital History: The Emergence of New Ideas About Personal Liberties
American colonists expected to have "English rights" as supported by the Magna Carta and the English Bill of Rights. See how these rights were applied in the trial of John Peter Zenger, whose acquittal reflected the right of freedom of...
CBS
Cbs News: Clarke's Take on Terror
Former adviser to President Bush criticizes the war in Iraq, war on terror, and events following September 11 in this March 2004 report. [2:07]
Other
Article 19: Promoting Freedom of Expression
Discusses right to information and freedom of expression issues. Bright, colorful, nicely designed with many resources.
Siteseen
Siteseen: Government and Constitution: 1st Amendment
Short, simple summary with the full text of the 1st amendment of the Bill of Rights detailing freedom of religion, the freedom of the press, and freedom of expression in the Constitution.
Scholastic
Scholastic: Democracy for Kids: Understanding Rights and Responsibilities
Scholastic offers a series of printable panels and classroom activities in PDF format that focus on a U.S. citizen's right to express his- or herself. Content focuses on the Bill of Rights and its provisions for freedom of religion,...
Other
Streetlaw: Rights in the Community
This website provides several links and introductory information on the Constitution, freedom of speech, freedom of the press, expression in special places, freedom of religion, due process, the right to privacy, discrimination, and...
PBS
Pbs News Hour Extra: Anniversary of September 11 Highlights Attitude Toward Islam
Two controversies surround an anniversary of the September 11 attacks: plans to burn a Koran and plans to build a mosque near Ground Zero. These instances can serve as examples in the debate over religious freedom and religious tolerance...
NBC
Msnbc: Conflict in Iraq
A site that continually updates the news of the conflict in Iraq. Contains slide shows and videos on special features related to the conflict. (2009)
Other
Broadcasting Board of Governors
Promoting reliable and balanced journalism, the Broadcasting Board of Governors provides a comprehensive history, goal-set and ongoing intentions for international public broadcasting. The BBG seeks to provide unbiased and uncensored...
PBS
Pbs News Hour Extra: Supreme Court Ends Ban on Sale of Violent Video Games
An article about the Supreme Court ending a ban on the sale of violent video games. There are also links to other related items such as a classroom activity and information about the revolution of video games.
PBS
Pbs News Hour: Your Safety and Security or Your Civil Liberties Lesson
The object of this lesson is to take a look at the USA Patriot Act and the controversies around the Act. Does the Patriot Act defy our Civil Liberties? This lesson will explore that question and more.
PBS
Pbs News Hour: Intervention in Iraq?
Web page from March, 2003, as the U.S. prepares for war with Iraq.
Smithsonian Institution
Tween Tribune: President Obama Awards Biden the Medal of Freedom
A special moment between President Obama and Vice President Joe Biden in their last week when the President presented the Medal of Freedom to his right-hand man. Tween Tribune captured the story.
PBS
Pbs News Hour Extra: Supreme Court Considers Free Speech and Protests
Hateful as these actions may seem to many people, do groups still have the right to protest under the First Amendment? Read about the case that the Supreme Court is considering involving protests at a military funeral.
United Nations
United Nations: Human Rights
This is the United Nations site devoted to the topic of human rights. The visitor will find links to various declarations, treaties, and news releases.
Other
Student Press Law Center Legal Brief: Libel Law
Excellent site for students that need to know more about libel laws. Includes a definition of libel, a process to go by in order to avoid a lawsuit, and your defense options if you happen to be involved in a lawsuit.
BBC
Bbc News: Who Are the Northern Alliance
Article describing the multi-ethnic group supported by the U.S. during the war in Afghanistan. Brief biographies of many of the major players in the Northern Alliance. 11/13/01
PBS
Pbs News Hour: On Trial: Anonymous Sources (Lesson Plan)
A lesson in which learners investigate issues of journalistic ethics revolving around the reporting of leaked information, promises of confidentiality, and the public's right to know. Students also conduct a mock trial, attempting to...
PBS
Soldiers Without Swords: Treason? African Americans in World War Ii
Article describes the dilemma of African Americans during WWII, including legislation attempting to restrict the black press.
Read Works
Read Works: Don't Know Much About Liberty
[Free Registration/Login Required] Students read about the freedoms guaranteed by the First Amendment to the Constitution. A question sheet is available to help students build skills in classifying and categorizing.
Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press
Rcfp: Court Rescinds Its Own Prior Restraint Against the Ap
A judge decided not to continue to enforce a prior restraint keeping the Associated Press from releasing information it had obtained through an open records request.
A&E Television
History.com: When New Seat Belt Laws Drew Fire as a Violation of Personal Freedom
The 1980s battle over safety belt laws reflected widespread ambivalence over the role and value of government regulation. Drivers and passengers complained that seat belts were uncomfortable and restrictive, but the uproar over mandatory...