HISET Social Studies Practice

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What was the outcome of the Texas v. Johnson case regarding symbolic speech?

It upheld a law banning the burning of the American flag.
It reinforced the protection of symbolic speech under the First Amendment.
It allowed states to prohibit any form of protest.
It ruled that freedom of speech does not include symbolic acts.

The correct answer is: It reinforced the protection of symbolic speech under the First Amendment.

The outcome of the Texas v. Johnson case was significant for the protection of symbolic speech under the First Amendment. The Supreme Court ruled that burning the American flag as a form of protest is a form of symbolic speech that is protected. This landmark decision emphasized that expressive conduct, even if controversial or offensive, falls within the ambit of free speech rights guaranteed by the Constitution. By affirming that such acts are a part of individual expression, the ruling highlighted the importance of safeguarding even unpopular forms of speech. This reinforces the principle that the government does not have the authority to restrict expressions that may provoke strong reactions, as it is fundamental to a democratic society to allow diverse viewpoints.