First Amendment Crossword Puzzle: Freedom of Speech (U.S. Government Puzzle Worksheets)

U.S. Government Worksheet Puzzle Focusing on the First Amendment: Freedom of Speech also known as Freedom of Expression

These puzzles focus on helping students understand one of the most fundamental liberties of all: freedom of speech and expression. Embedded in the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, this freedom is a key part of the American system of government.

Differentiated Learning is Embedded in these First Amendment Crossword Puzzle Worksheets

This packet contains worksheets with two levels of difficulty to help teachers differentiate the material for their students. The first crossword included features a standard format with just the puzzle grid and the clues list.

The second crossword puzzle page, however, is intended for students that need learning aids – it also includes a Word Bank list that will assist students in filling out the puzzle by providing them with all of the possible answers. This “basic" level puzzle still requires students to think critically, though – they have to read each clue and figure out which word bank entry best suits it.


Teacher Convenience Features in these Freedom of Speech Puzzle Worksheets

This packet includes a traditional crossword puzzle answer key that shows the words filled into their correct slots. However, to help teachers who want to conduct a class discussion on the terms, there is also an “Answer List” page that matches up the key words with their clues. This format means that teachers don’t have to hunt for answers on the grid when they are discussing items with the class!

20 Terms & Clues address the following concepts:

Abolitionism as a form of controversial speech in its day
What rights freedom of speech underlies
Brandenburg Test to determine if limits on free speech are permissible
Government not allowed to censor based on content
Jefferson's view of free speech
John Stuart Mill
Least Restrictive means of achieving a government goal
Truthfulness required in court
Majorities and the potential for abuse
McCarthy Era
Representative government
Secret Military information given special status
Sedition Act
Seditious Libel
Terrorism as a trigger for limiting free speech
Three valid limits government can impose on free speech
Truth as a defense to libel charges
Vague laws impermissible
Violence as a probable alternative is free speech is stifled
Emphasis given to freedom of speech in the original Constitution