Which of the following correctly analyzes the effect the Supreme Court's use of selective incorporation has had on the freedom of expression?
A. Selective incorporation has no effect on the freedom of expression as states have always had to protect the freedom of speech.
B. Selective incorporation has expanded the freedom of expression by forcing states to protect the freedom of speech.
C. Selective incorporation has gradually reduced freedom of expression by allowing states to ignore certain freedoms found in the Bill of Rights.
D. Selective incorporation has limited the freedom of expression by only requiring the national government to abide by the freedom of speech.
B. Selective incorporation has expanded the freedom of expression by forcing states to protect the freedom of speech.
B. Selective incorporation has expanded the freedom of expression by forcing states to protect the freedom of speech.
To determine the correct answer, we need to understand what selective incorporation is and its impact on the freedom of expression. Selective incorporation refers to the process by which the Supreme Court has extended certain protections in the Bill of Rights to the states through the Due Process Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment.
To analyze the effect of selective incorporation on the freedom of expression, we need to consider how the Supreme Court's use of selective incorporation has impacted the protection of freedom of speech at the state level.
Option A states that selective incorporation has no effect on the freedom of expression as states have always had to protect the freedom of speech. This is incorrect because selective incorporation expanded the protection of freedom of speech to the states, meaning it did have an effect.
Option B states that selective incorporation has expanded the freedom of expression by forcing states to protect the freedom of speech. This is the correct answer as selective incorporation has indeed expanded the protection of freedom of speech by requiring states to abide by the First Amendment and protect this fundamental right.
Option C states that selective incorporation has gradually reduced freedom of expression by allowing states to ignore certain freedoms found in the Bill of Rights. This is not accurate as selective incorporation actually extends the protections of the Bill of Rights to the states, rather than allowing them to ignore certain freedoms.
Option D states that selective incorporation has limited the freedom of expression by only requiring the national government to abide by the freedom of speech. This is incorrect as selective incorporation applies the protections of the freedom of speech to both the national government and the states.
Therefore, the correct answer is B. Selective incorporation has expanded the freedom of expression by forcing states to protect the freedom of speech.