Why is freedom of speech so important to a democratic society?

Answer 1

"Freedom of expression is the matrix, the indispensable condition, of nearly every other form of freedoms." Benjamin Cardozo was stating that freedom of expression is the structure of all the other freedoms. Freedom of expression is a very valuable freedom. It lets you express your own thoughts and feelings and show your beliefs and ideas.

In Tinker vs. Des Moines, teenagers John Tinker, Mary Beth Tinker, and Christopher Echardt, decided to wear armbands to protest the Vietnam War. The principals of the Des Moines school district asked the students to take the armbands off. They refused to do so, and they were suspended from school. The students took this case all the way to the Supreme Court where they won 7-2 because the Supreme Court thought it was violating their freedom of expression.

Freedom of expression is also showing your feelings without verbal use. If you don't know about this freedom, you might be afraid to share your ideas and feelings. Also, freedom of expression helps people make decisions based on their opinions and not what others think. Citizens also have the right to express who they want to vote for unless there is a rule or law limiting your freedom of expression. Freedom of expression is found in many early human rights documents such as the Magna Carta. In the Constitution, the First Amendment protects your freedom of expression.

Answer 2

Free speech is important in a democracy because that is the only way to really know what people want. If no one was allowed to speak without fear of being convicted of high treason, nothing could get done and everyone would be miserable due to no one getting what they want.

Answer 3

Freedom of Speech is protected by the United Nations' Universal Declaration of Human Rights, however not all nations recognize it. In some countries, such as Eritrea, people are often imprisoned (most often journalists) without trial for voicing their opinions verbally or otherwise. The Sudanese, Pakistani, Iran, Saudi Arabian governments (and others, I'm sure) crack down on anyone who speaks negatively of religion. Most European and North American countries treasure their right to speech and practice it often. Protesting, petitioning, contacting politicians, voting, bumper stickers, and debates; these are all examples of how we utilize our freedom of speech.

Answer 4

We see that a democracy is for the people and by the people. Which is why its essential to have the freedom to speak becuase of the people-based government.

Answer 5

it is important to our democracy because it helps us be free

Answer 6

to promote any candidate they choose