Question

but, as against dangers peculiar to war, as against others, the principle of the right to free speech is always the same. it is only the present danger of immediate evil or an intent to bring it about that warrants congress in setting a limit to the expression of opinion where private rights are not concerned. congress certainly cannot forbid all effort to change the mind of the country. which statement best summarizes the argument in the excerpt? choose 1 answer: a the right to free speech cannot be suppressed if the speech creates a clear and present danger to congress. b the right to free speech is essential, and congress cannot limit someone’s right to try to influence public opinion. c the right to free speech prevents the government from issuing warrants to arrest those who discuss crimes but don’t carry them out. d the right to free speech is unlimited, and congress cannot ban any speech, regardless of the content. do 21 problems skip

Explanation:

• Option A: The excerpt says Congress can limit speech only with present danger of immediate evil, not if speech endangers Congress. Eliminate A.
• Option B: The excerpt states free speech principle is same, Congress can only limit with present danger (private rights not concerned) and can't forbid efforts to change country's mind (influence public opinion). This matches.
• Option C: The excerpt doesn't discuss warrants or arrests. Eliminate C.
• Option D: The excerpt says Congress can limit speech with present danger, so speech isn't unlimited. Eliminate D.

Answer:

B. The right to free speech is essential, and Congress cannot limit someone’s right to try to influence public opinion.