Question

The passage below describes an event from the 1940s.
In 1947, the House Committee on Un-American Activities, an investigative congressional committee, held hearings regarding suspected communist propaganda in Hollywood films. By this time, many people in the U.S. government believed that communist ideas and actions were a danger to the American way of life. The witnesses brought before the committee were asked, "Are you now or have you ever been a member of the Communist Party?" A group of ten writers and directors labeled "unfriendly witnesses" refused to answer this question or name the names of other
possible Communist Party members. They became known as the Hollywood Ten.
Which protection from the Bill of Rights did the Hollywood Ten attempt to use during these hearings?
A
No person shall be compeiled to testify against himself or herself.
B
The accused shall be confronted with the witnesses against him or her.
C
No person shall be subject for the same offense to be twice put in jeopardy.
D
The accused shall have the compulsory process for obtaining witnesses in his or her favor.

Answer 1

A

They invoked the Fifth Amendment protection against self-incrimination — refusing to answer questions that might force them to testify against themselves.