406 week 2
.docx
keyboard_arrow_up
School
University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC) *
*We aren’t endorsed by this school
Course
406
Subject
Political Science
Date
Jan 9, 2024
Type
docx
Pages
2
Uploaded by CorporalSnailMaster836 on coursehero.com
The USA Patriot Act, officially known as the Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing
Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism Act, is a law enacted by the
United States government in response to the September 11th, 2001 terrorist attacks. This
legislation grants law enforcement agencies expanded powers to detect, prevent, and prosecute
acts of terrorism. The Patriot Act gives authorities the ability to intercept and monitor
communication, obtain search warrants for suspected terrorists, and access private records such
as financial and medical information. It also allows for greater information sharing and
cooperation between governmental agencies involved in national security efforts. While the Act
has been criticized for potentially violating civil liberties and infringing upon individual privacy,
its supporters argue that these expanded powers are necessary to combat terrorism effectively.
The executive actions taken to enforce the USA Patriot Act further strengthened national security
measures. These actions include the establishment of the Department of Homeland Security,
which serves as the central coordinating body for all security-related matters. Furthermore, the
act led to the creation of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court (FISC), which oversees
requests for surveillance warrants on suspected foreign agents operating within the United States.
This court plays a crucial role in balancing national security concerns with the protection of civil
liberties. The executive actions taken in response to the Patriot Act have undoubtedly enhanced
intelligence capabilities and provided law enforcement agencies with the tools necessary to
prevent and respond to potential terrorist threats, ensuring the safety and security of the
American people. The USA Patriot Act, while hailed as a crucial tool in the fight against
terrorism, has also sparked significant legal controversy and potential damage. This legislation
grants broad surveillance powers to intelligence agencies, allowing them to collect and monitor
individuals' personal information without a warrant. Critics argue that this infringes upon
citizens' privacy rights and raises concerns about unlawful surveillance and abuse of power.
Additionally, the act grants expanded powers to law enforcement agencies, leading to instances
of racial profiling and targeting of minority communities. The potential damage lies in the
erosion of civil liberties and the erosion of trust in the government, as citizens question the extent
of their rights and the balance between national security and individual freedoms. Lawmakers
must conduct a careful review and reform the USA Patriot Act to ensure a fair and balanced
approach to national security without compromising the constitutional rights of American
citizens.
9/11 and after Legal issues, lessons, and irregular conflict
. 9/11 and After Legal Issues, Lessons,
and Irregular Conflict. (n.d.). https://ndupress.ndu.edu/Portals/68/Documents/Books/lessons-
encountered/lessons-encountered_Ch5.pdf
Carlisle, M. (2021, September 11).
How 9/11 radically expanded the power of the U.S.
Government
. Time. https://time.com/6096903/september-11-legal-history/
How 9/11 Radically Expanded the Power of the U.S. Government
. Harvard Journal of Law &
Public Policy. (n.d.). https://journals.law.harvard.edu/jlpp/
National Archives and Records Administration. (n.d.).
USA PATRIOT Act
. National Archives and
Records Administration. https://georgewbush-
whitehouse.archives.gov/infocus/patriotact/#:~:text=The%20Patriot%20Act%20allows
%20Internet,monitoring%20trespassers%20on%20their%20computers.
Your preview ends here
Eager to read complete document? Join bartleby learn and gain access to the full version
- Access to all documents
- Unlimited textbook solutions
- 24/7 expert homework help