[ 139 ] Civics and Government GED ® TEST SOCIAL STUDIES FLASH REVIEW • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • The following question is based on the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances. —First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution In interpreting the First Amendment, the Supreme Court has ruled that individual freedom must be weighed against the safety of the public and the rights of other citizens. Thus, the First Amendment does not protect actions that put others in danger. Which of the following actions is covered by the First Amendment according to the interpretation of the U.S. Supreme Court? a. assembling in the middle of a street without a permit b. falsely yelling “fire” in a crowded movie theatre c. petitioning to impeach the president d. engaging in human sacrifice as a religious practice What role do third parties such as the Populist Party play in American politics? a. They provide continuity in times of change. b. They provide a platform to propose new ideas and policies. c. They regularly replace the two major parties. d. They tend to attract important politicians from the two major parties. What is an amendment?