Which of the following correctly explains how selective incorporation contributed to the right to freedom of speech in the United States?
(1 point)
Selective incorporation protected speech that creates a clear and present danger.
Selective incorporation required that states restrict speech that is controversial and unpopular.
Selective incorporation required that the right to freedom of speech be protected by state governments.
Selective incorporation required the national government to protect the right to freedom of speech.
Selective incorporation required the national government to protect the right to freedom of speech.
The correct explanation is:
Selective incorporation required the national government to protect the right to freedom of speech.
To determine the correct explanation, let's break down what selective incorporation means in relation to the right to freedom of speech in the United States.
Selective incorporation is the process through which certain provisions of the Bill of Rights are applied to the states through the Due Process Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment. It ensures that fundamental rights protected by the federal government, such as freedom of speech, are also safeguarded by state governments.
Now, let's evaluate each option:
(1) Selective incorporation protected speech that creates a clear and present danger.
This option is not entirely accurate for explaining how selective incorporation contributed to the right to freedom of speech. The concept of clear and present danger is used to determine whether certain speech can be restricted due to potential harm, but it is not directly related to selective incorporation.
(2) Selective incorporation required that states restrict speech that is controversial and unpopular.
This statement is also incorrect. Selective incorporation does not require states to restrict controversial or unpopular speech. Instead, it ensures that the rights protected by the federal government, including freedom of speech, are upheld by the states.
(3) Selective incorporation required that the right to freedom of speech be protected by state governments.
This statement accurately captures the essence of selective incorporation. It mandates that the states must protect the right to freedom of speech, ensuring that citizens' speech is safeguarded at both the federal and state levels.
(4) Selective incorporation required the national government to protect the right to freedom of speech.
While the national government does play a role in protecting the right to freedom of speech, selective incorporation primarily focuses on ensuring that states also protect this right. Therefore, this option does not provide a comprehensive explanation.
In conclusion, option (3) is the correct explanation. Selective incorporation requires that the right to freedom of speech be protected by state governments.