The Constitution Kids Reader
Speech, Listening, and Civic Courage
Unit 6 of 22The Constitution Kids, pages 21-244 min readPurchase
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Understand the scene
From story moment to civic idea
This section turns free expression into a lived problem: people need to speak, but civic life also depends on listening and truthfulness.
free speechcivic responsibilityviewpointtrust
Discussion prompts
- What makes speech useful in a disagreement?
- When does speech need more context?
- How can a classroom protect unpopular opinions?
Focus question
How can people speak freely without breaking trust?
Notice how speaking up changes the group, and where listening matters just as much as talking.
Core civic idea
Free speech protects expression, but civic responsibility asks people to use speech in ways that make self-government possible.
Free speech is a fundamental right, but how does it connect to our duties as citizens?