Why did James Madison and other Founding Fathers originally believe that the Constitution did not need to include a Bill of Rights? Why did they change their opinion?

This helps the student understand the origins of the First Amendment and the role played by public pressure in its creation.

Why is the First Amendment written in negative terms? What does Abrams argue would change if it were written affirmatively?

This helps the student understand a major theme of this book and that the First Amendment applies only to government regulation of free expression.

What is “collective speech”? How is it related to restrictions on freedom of expression? Why does Abrams reject this idea?

This helps the student understand a major contemporary criticism of broad interpretation of the First Amendment.

Describe the Patterson and Bridges decisions. What do they demonstrate about the First Amendment’s interpretation throughout history?