Question

Book Stop, a bookstore in Capital City, sells publications that criticize government actions and policies. The city enacts an ordinance prohibiting the sale of such materials in the interest of preserving public tranquility. This ordinance is most likely

a)an invalid invasion of individuals' privacy.
b)an unconstitutional restriction of speech.
c)corporations' rights to certain privileges. d)constitutional under the First Amendment.

Answer 1

The city ordinance prohibiting the sale of publications criticizing government actions and policies is likely an unconstitutional restriction of speech.

Step-by-step explanation:

The city ordinance that prohibits the sale of publications criticizing government actions and policies is most likely an unconstitutional restriction of speech (option b). According to the First Amendment, the government cannot limit freedom of speech or expression unless there is a compelling government interest and the restriction is the least restrictive means available to achieve that interest. In this case, the ordinance is content-based because it specifically targets materials that criticize the government. Content-based restrictions are subject to strict scrutiny, meaning they are often found unconstitutional.