Unit 1 Resources: Foundations of American Citizenship - Deerlake ...

Name Date ClassEnrichment Activity 2John Peter Zenger’s Fight for the TruthDIRECTIONS: Read the following passage about John Peter Zenger, and thenanswer the questions in the space provided. Use another sheet of paper if needed.Today we take free speech for granted. For Americans living in the early 1700s, however, freedomof speech was limited. They did not, for example, have the right to criticize the government or theirleaders. John Peter Zenger, a German immigrant, helped win that right 50 years before the UnitedStates Constitution was written.Zenger came to the American colonies in 1710. He became a printer and started a newspaper inNew York. Zenger’s newspaper, the New York Weekly Journal, was very critical of the colonial governor,William Cosby.In 1735 Governor Cosby arrested Zenger and charged him with “seditious libel.” Under the law,it was a crime to publish any criticism of the government because it might turn people against theirleaders. It did not matter if the criticism was true or not.At his trial, a young Philadelphia attorney, Alexander Hamilton, represented Zenger. Hamiltonargued that Zenger could not be convicted of libel if the articles in his newspaper were truthful.When the judge ruled that truth could not be used as a defense, Hamilton replied that it was up tothe jurors. They should decide whether truth is a proper defense against libel.The jury courageously acquitted Zenger. From that time on, no one could be convicted of libel ifhe or she had told the truth. The Zenger case established an enduring principle of freedom of speechand the press—the right to criticize our government and our political leaders.CHAPTER 21. Why was Zenger arrested?2. What was Alexander Hamilton’s defense?Copyright © by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.3. What was the significance of the Zenger case?4. CRITICAL THINKING Why is it important to be able to criticize governmentleaders and government policy?5. CRITICAL THINKING Name another right that you have as a citizen of theUnited States that is important to you and explain the reasons why it isimportant. How would your life be different if you did not have this right?6. CRITICAL THINKING How would the American public be affected if the mediadid not have the right of freedom of speech?29