Civil Liberties

Question 1

Within the Discussion Board area, write 400–600 words that respond to the following questions with your thoughts, ideas, and comments. This will be the foundation for future discussions by your classmates. Be substantive and clear, and use examples to reinforce your ideas.

There has been a large amount of public debate regarding many of the provisions of the USA PATRIOT Act as they relate to civil liberties. Using the course materials, the library, and the Internet, research civil liberties and privacy as they relate to law enforcement activities (surveillance, investigation, and so on). Utilizing the information, please answer the following questions, and respond to at least 2 of your classmates’ posts on this topic as well. You are encouraged to return to this Discussion Board often, because this is a subject that many feel very strongly about. Regardless of your personal feelings one way or the other on these questions, please maintain a professional and cordial tone in your initial post, and more importantly, in your responses to your classmates.

• How important is maintaining people’s right to privacy while engaged in traditional law enforcement activities? Provide support for your answer.
• Should people compromise their civil liberties to improve the government’s chances in fighting crime? Provide support for your answer.
• What civil liberties, if any, are you willing to give up to ensure a safer United States? Provide support for your answer.
• Where should government draw the line on issues such as privacy and other individual freedoms? Provide support for your answer.
• Are there any rights that are so sacred that they should never be infringed upon? If so, what are they? Provide support for your answer.

Question 2

Describe the most important features of the Constitution, including the First Amendment and the Second Amendment.

What was the Market Revolution? Who gained? Who lost? What was the role of transportation in the Market Revolution? Canals? Steamboats? Railroads? What happened to traditional crafts? How did the Market Revolution lead later to industrialization?

What was the purpose of the Constitution? Who favored its adoption? Who opposed it? Why? What is the grand prize in American politics?

Explain the meaning and significance of the First Amendment? Second Amendment?

What reform movements took place after the Market Revolution started? Which movements were the most important? Why did people create communes? Why was there a temperance movement? Was it successful? How did temperance lead to Prohibition? Consider women’s rights. Why were women elevated onto a pedestal in the early 1800s? What did women do in Lowell, Massachusetts?