Communications 300 Lesson 2

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  • 1/20 Questions

    True or False? According to Brandenburg v. Ohio (1969), government can only step in to stop speech when it incites imminent lawless action and is likely to produce such action.

    • True
    • False
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About This Quiz

Communications 300 Lesson 2 explores key principles of individual liberty and societal influence as articulated by philosopher John Stuart Mill. It assesses understanding of the harm principle, tyranny of the majority, and the importance of free speech in fostering truth and preventing societal stagnation.

Communications 300 Lesson 2 - Quiz

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  • 2. 

    According to Mill, in order to really know something, an individual must

    • Be able to recite the opinion/argument on request

    • Be familiar with both sides of the case

    • discuss opposing views with his/her teacher

    • have documented proof

    Correct Answer
    A. Be familiar with both sides of the case
    Explanation
    Mill believes that in order to truly know something, an individual must be familiar with both sides of the case. This means that they should have a comprehensive understanding of not only their own opinion or argument but also the opposing views. By being aware of different perspectives, one can critically evaluate and strengthen their own beliefs. Merely reciting an opinion on request or discussing opposing views with a teacher may not necessarily lead to true knowledge, as it does not require a deep understanding of both sides. Similarly, having documented proof alone does not guarantee true knowledge without considering opposing arguments.

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  • 3. 

    According to Mill, when an opinion is silenced

    • The human race has been robbed

    • Society loses the opportunity to strengthen truth by confronting a falsehood

    • society loses the opportunity to discover new truth

    • All of the above

    Correct Answer
    A. All of the above
    Explanation
    According to Mill, when an opinion is silenced, society is negatively affected in multiple ways. Firstly, the human race is robbed of the chance to engage in open debate and discussion, hindering the progress of knowledge and understanding. Additionally, by not confronting falsehoods, society misses the opportunity to strengthen the truth and challenge incorrect beliefs. Lastly, silencing opinions also prevents the discovery of new truths, as different perspectives and ideas are essential for intellectual growth. Therefore, the correct answer is "all of the above."

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  • 4. 

    According to Mill, one of the evils which society should guard against is

    • tyranny of individual

    • tyranny of government

    • tyranny of the minority

    • Tyranny of the majority

    Correct Answer
    A. Tyranny of the majority
    Explanation
    According to Mill, one of the evils that society should guard against is the tyranny of the majority. This means that the majority should not have the power to impose their will on the minority, as it can lead to the suppression of individual rights and freedoms. Mill believed in the importance of protecting individual liberties and promoting diversity of opinions, even if they go against the majority's beliefs. He argued that society should strive for a balance between majority rule and the protection of individual rights to prevent the tyranny of the majority.

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  • 5. 

    Which of the following is correct, according to the Hopkins text?

    • America's legacy of free speech came from England, where the press has been free and uncensored since its introduction in the mid-1400s.

    • The marketplace of ideas theory, attributed to John Milton, holds that truth will always prevail in competition with falsity.

    • Traditional prior restraints include torture and death.

    • Post-publication punishments are imposed before a text goes to print.

    Correct Answer
    A. The marketplace of ideas theory, attributed to John Milton, holds that truth will always prevail in competition with falsity.
    Explanation
    The correct answer is the marketplace of ideas theory, attributed to John Milton, holds that truth will always prevail in competition with falsity. This theory suggests that in a free and open exchange of ideas, the truth will naturally emerge and prevail over false information. This concept is rooted in the belief that a diverse range of perspectives and opinions allows for a more informed and educated society. John Milton, a 17th-century English poet and philosopher, is often credited with popularizing this theory in his writings on freedom of speech and expression.

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  • 6. 

    Mill believes it is wrong for individuals, societies, or governments to act on an opinion until it has been ultimately proven as truth.

    • True

    • False

    Correct Answer
    A. False
    Explanation
    Mill does not believe that it is wrong for individuals, societies, or governments to act on an opinion until it has been ultimately proven as truth. Instead, he argues for the importance of freedom of thought and expression, allowing people to hold and express their opinions even if they are not proven to be true. He believes that through open discussion and debate, the truth can be discovered and progress can be made.

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  • 7. 

    What does Mill suggest a "collision with error" does?

    • Infringes on an individual's liberty

    • Confirms truth

    • Sways those with weak opinions

    • neither strengthens nor weakens a listener

    Correct Answer
    A. Confirms truth
    Explanation
    Mill suggests that a "collision with error" confirms truth. This means that when someone encounters opposing or incorrect ideas, it allows them to strengthen their own beliefs by critically examining and challenging those opposing ideas. By engaging with and refuting error, individuals can better understand and solidify the truth.

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  • 8. 

    According to Mill, it is wrong for an individual to refuse to hear another's opinion because it

    • Is the duty of individuals in a society to tolerate each other

    • is inconsiderate of others' beliefs

    • Assumes that individual is infallible

    • Weakens the liberty of the press

    Correct Answer
    A. Assumes that individual is infallible
    Explanation
    According to Mill, it is wrong for an individual to refuse to hear another's opinion because it assumes that the individual is infallible. Mill believed in the importance of open and free discussion in society, as it helps to uncover the truth and correct any errors. By refusing to hear another's opinion, an individual is implying that their own beliefs are unquestionably correct and that they are incapable of making mistakes. This assumption of infallibility goes against the principles of intellectual humility and open-mindedness that Mill advocated for.

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  • 9. 

    Mill believes that society can only impose on an individual's liberty against his will in order to

    • Prevent the individual from speaking out against society

    • Correct a false opinion

    • prevent harm to others

    • never—imposing on anyone's liberty is unjustifiable

    Correct Answer
    A. prevent harm to others
    Explanation
    Mill believes that society can only impose on an individual's liberty against his will in order to prevent harm to others. This is because Mill's principle of liberty states that individuals should have the freedom to do as they wish as long as it does not harm others. Therefore, society can intervene and restrict an individual's liberty if their actions pose a threat to the well-being and safety of others. This is seen as a justifiable limitation on individual freedom in order to protect the greater good.

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  • 10. 

    Two ways of imposing rules of conduct on people are by

    • opinion, then punishment

    • instilled values, then law

    • law, then opinion

    • instilled values, then punishment

    Correct Answer
    A. law, then opinion
    Explanation
    This answer suggests that the first step in imposing rules of conduct on people is through the establishment of laws. Laws provide a clear framework and set of guidelines for behavior that everyone is expected to follow. Once these laws are in place, public opinion and social norms can then shape and reinforce these rules further. This sequence suggests that laws are the foundation upon which societal expectations and opinions are built.

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  • 11. 

    True or False? The Bill of Rights distinguishes between categories of people and the levels of protection of their rights.

    • True

    • False

    Correct Answer
    A. False
    Explanation
    The Bill of Rights does not distinguish between categories of people or levels of protection of their rights. It applies to all individuals equally, regardless of their background or status. The purpose of the Bill of Rights is to protect the fundamental rights and freedoms of all citizens, ensuring that they are not infringed upon by the government. Therefore, the statement that the Bill of Rights distinguishes between categories of people and levels of protection of their rights is false.

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  • 12. 

    How many people need to hold an opinion before it becomes valid?

    • A majority

    • A minority

    • One

    • none. An opinion doesn't become valid until it is proved as truth.

    Correct Answer
    A. One
    Explanation
    The question asks about the number of people needed for an opinion to become valid. The correct answer is "one" because an opinion doesn't require the agreement or validation of others to be considered valid. An individual can hold a valid opinion based on their own beliefs, experiences, or reasoning without the need for external validation or consensus.

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  • 13. 

    Which of the following is correct, according to the Hopkins text?

    • When one was accused of seditious libel (or criticism of the government) in England and in the Colonies, the best defense was truth.

    • In the John Peter Zenger trial, the jury refused to convict Zenger for printing truthful information.

    • The Bill of Rights was part of the original Constitution.

    • The First Amendment's proscription against abridging speech and press applied originally to both federal and state governments.

    Correct Answer
    A. In the John Peter Zenger trial, the jury refused to convict Zenger for printing truthful information.
    Explanation
    In the John Peter Zenger trial, the jury refused to convict Zenger for printing truthful information. This suggests that the best defense against seditious libel or criticism of the government was truth, as the jury recognized the importance of freedom of the press and the right to share truthful information. This case set a precedent for the protection of free speech and press in the United States.

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  • 14. 

    True or False? The First Amendment applies to private universities in the same way that it applies to public universities.

    • True

    • False

    Correct Answer
    A. False
    Explanation
    The First Amendment of the United States Constitution guarantees certain rights, including freedom of speech, religion, and assembly. However, these rights only apply to government actions and restrictions, not to private entities like private universities. Private universities have the right to establish their own rules and regulations regarding freedom of speech and other First Amendment rights, which may differ from those of public universities. Therefore, the statement that the First Amendment applies to private universities in the same way as it applies to public universities is false.

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  • 15. 

    As stated by Mill, one of the greatest services that mankind can render one another is to

    • refrain from challenging established truths

    • Prove the world has been mistaken on a vital point of interest

    • leave each person in peace with his/her own opinions

    • seek to persuade all mankind to a proven truth

    Correct Answer
    A. Prove the world has been mistaken on a vital point of interest
    Explanation
    Mill believed that one of the greatest services that mankind can provide to each other is to prove that the world has been mistaken on a vital point of interest. This means challenging established truths and seeking to persuade others to accept a new and proven truth. By doing so, individuals can contribute to the progress of society and the advancement of knowledge. Mill valued intellectual debate and the pursuit of truth, and saw it as essential for the betterment of humanity.

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  • 16. 

    If there is a legal question about legislation violating individual rights of expression …

    • The individuals whose rights are violated bear the burden of proof in showing that the legislation is unconstitutional or overbroad.

    • The government bears the burden of proof that the legislation does not violate individual rights.

    Correct Answer
    A. The government bears the burden of proof that the legislation does not violate individual rights.
    Explanation
    In legal cases involving legislation that potentially violates individual rights of expression, the burden of proof lies with the government to demonstrate that the legislation does not infringe upon those rights. This means that it is the responsibility of the government to provide evidence and arguments to support their claim that the legislation is constitutional and does not violate individual rights. The individuals whose rights are allegedly violated do not have the burden of proof in this case.

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  • 17. 

    Which of the following is most correct?

    • The absolutist interpretation of the constitution has commanded a majority of the Supreme Court since the early 1900s.

    • The Meiklejohnian interpretation of the constitution is that speech contributing to a self-governing society should receive absolute protection.

    • Political speech is the least protected in our society because of our fear of anarchy.

    • Commercial speech enjoys absolute and complete First Amendment protection.

    Correct Answer
    A. The Meiklejohnian interpretation of the constitution is that speech contributing to a self-governing society should receive absolute protection.
    Explanation
    The Meiklejohnian interpretation of the constitution argues that speech which contributes to a self-governing society should be given absolute protection. This means that any speech that promotes or enhances the functioning of a democratic society should be protected without any limitations or restrictions. This interpretation is in contrast to the absolutist interpretation, which suggests that all speech should receive absolute protection, and the statement that political speech is the least protected in our society due to fear of anarchy. It also differs from the idea that commercial speech enjoys complete First Amendment protection.

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  • 18. 

    Which of the following is not correct?

    • With rare exceptions, state and federal governments can regulate expression based on the ideas contained in a particular expression.

    • In general, governments are allowed to regulate the time, place, and manner in which expression takes place.

    • Strict scrutiny of government regulation implies, in part, that government must impose the least restrictive means possible to achieve its compelling interests.

    • Vague laws restricting expression are so unclear as to not be easily understood; overbroad laws restricting expression prohibit too much.

    Correct Answer
    A. With rare exceptions, state and federal governments can regulate expression based on the ideas contained in a particular expression.
    Explanation
    The statement that is not correct is "With rare exceptions, state and federal governments can regulate expression based on the ideas contained in a particular expression." This is incorrect because the government cannot regulate expression based on the ideas contained in a particular expression. The First Amendment of the United States Constitution protects freedom of speech, which includes the right to express any ideas, even if they are unpopular or controversial. The government can only regulate expression based on certain factors such as time, place, and manner, but not based on the ideas themselves.

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  • 19. 

    Which of the following is not correct?

    • According to former Justice William Brennan, the First Amendment should be paramount in balancing individual rights.

    • Professor Zecharian Chafee Jr.'s views could be summarized as follows: The more unstable or insecure the government, the greater the suppression of expression.

    • The "watchdog" metaphor refers to the government's role as watchdog on the excesses of the press.

    • The safety valve function of the press allows for societal change to occur while society still maintains its stability.

    Correct Answer
    A. The "watchdog" metaphor refers to the government's role as watchdog on the excesses of the press.
    Explanation
    The "watchdog" metaphor refers to the media's role as watchdog on the excesses of the government, not the other way around. It implies that the media acts as a guardian, monitoring and holding the government accountable for any abuses of power or wrongdoing. This concept is essential for a functioning democracy, as it ensures transparency and prevents the government from becoming too powerful or corrupt.

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  • 20. 

    Which of the following is not correct?

    • Gitlow v. New York (1925) extended the prohibition on interference with free speech and press rights to the states.

    • State governments, just like the federal government, are bound to the federal constitution.

    • State laws cannot grant fewer rights than those guaranteed by the federal constitution.

    • Federal courts do not have authority to review the constitutionality of state laws.

    Correct Answer
    A. Federal courts do not have authority to review the constitutionality of state laws.
    Explanation
    The correct answer is that federal courts do not have authority to review the constitutionality of state laws. This is not correct because federal courts do have the authority to review the constitutionality of state laws through a process called judicial review. Judicial review allows federal courts to determine whether a state law violates the federal constitution.

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  • Current Version
  • Feb 09, 2024
    Quiz Edited by
    ProProfs Editorial Team
  • Mar 06, 2010
    Quiz Created by
    Cucaracho
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