The following question has two parts. First, read the texts and answer Part A. Then, answer Part B.

Question

Part A:

[This] is a principal pillar of a free government; when this support is taken away, the constitution of a free society is dissolved, and tyranny is erected on its ruins. Republics . . . derive their strength and vigor from a popular examination into the action of the [lawmakers]; this privilege in all ages has been, and always will be abused. The best of men could not escape the censure and envy of the times they lived in. Yet . . . a [lawmaker], who sincerely aims at the good of society, will always have the inclinations of a great majority on his side.
— Benjamin Franklin, 1737

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 US Constitution
How did Franklin's ideas influence the Framers' addition of the First Amendment to the Constitution?
A
.

The Framers recognized that establishing due process protections were necessary to prevent oppression, such as was experienced under the British crown.
B
.

The Framers recognized that establishing a society based on the rule of law was necessary to prevent abuses of power, such as those experienced under the British crown.
C.

The Framers recognized that allowing individuals of all faiths to worship freely was necessary to prevent oppression, such as was experienced under the British crown.
D
.

The Framers recognized that allowing the free exchange of ideas was necessary to prevent abuses of power, such as those experienced under the British crown.
Multiple Choice Question
Part B: Which detail from the First Amendment is most directly associated with the answer to Part A?

A
.

"Congress shall make no law . . . abridging the freedom of . . . the press."
B
.

"Congress shall make no law . . . abridging . . . the right of the people . . . to petition the Government."
C
.

"Congress shall make no law . . . prohibiting the free exercise [of religion]."
D
.

"Congress shall make no law . . . abridging . . . the right of the people peaceably to assemble."

Answer 1

Part A:

Answer: D.

The Framers recognized that allowing the free exchange of ideas was necessary to prevent abuses of power, such as those experienced under the British crown. Franklin emphasized the importance of popular examination of the lawmakers' actions and indicated that tyranny arises when this support (active participation and examination by the populace) is removed. Thus, the First Amendment's protections of freedom of speech, press, and assembly reflect the necessity of maintaining a society where ideas can be freely exchanged to safeguard against the potential for tyranny.

Part B:

Answer: A.

"Congress shall make no law . . . abridging the freedom of . . . the press."

This detail from the First Amendment is most directly associated with the idea of free exchange of ideas, which was highlighted in Franklin's argument about the importance of public examination and discourse in preventing abuses of power. The freedom of the press is a critical component in fostering open communication and oversight of those in power.