Governor Bellwether wants to pass a law that would require all newspapers in the state to get a license. Now there is no question if the federal government tried to pass this act, then it would be a violation of the First Amendment. But, because the Bill of Rights is actually a restriction on the federal government, and what it can do regarding limiting individual freedoms, the governor would be able to create such a law without running afoul of the U.S. Constitution.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Since passage of the Fourteenth Amendment, the rights protected from federal encroachment are also protected from encroachment by the states (or local governments). The Supreme Court made it clear in Near v. Minnesota (1931) the First Amendment applies to the states.

Governor Bellwether Wants to Pass a Law That Would Require