406 week 2

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University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC) *

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Course

406

Subject

Political Science

Date

Jan 9, 2024

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docx

Pages

2

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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.
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