Against a backdrop of heightened public concern about government intrusions, six in 10
Americans favor extending the Patriot Act, but majorities oppose
... [Show More] expanding it by adding new
FBI powers to issue subpoenas and access U.S. mail.
Fifty-nine percent in an ABC News/Washington Post poll favor continuing the additional
investigative authority in terrorism investigations that was granted to the FBI starting in
2001. President Bush urged such an extension of the Patriot Act today.
ABCNews.com, June 9, 2005
After reading the scenario, respond to A, B, and C below:
(A) Describe a power Congress could use to address the information outlined in the
scenario.
In order to address the information outlined, Congress could extend the Patriot Act but
add a section prohibiting further power granted to the FBI. This would allow the
government to still have the ability to investigate possible terrorists but give the people
peace of mind regarding government intrusion.
(B) In the context of the scenario, explain how the power described in Part A can be
affected by perspectives on one of the foundational principles of U.S. government.
In the context of the scenario it can be observed that limited government is being
brought into question. The people are considering if the Government has the right to
allow the FBI to issue subpoenas and access US Mail. The question is whether or not
the government can mandate this within the bounds of the Constitution; does the
mandate conflict with rights given to the people in the Constitution. Limiting the FBI
in the extension of the Patriot Act would be considered limited government because
the federal government is forced to abide by the rights given to the people in the
Constitution.
(C) In the context of the scenario, explain how the foundational principle in Part B affects
the structure and function of the federal government.
In part B, the foundational principle discussed was limited government. Limited government
is the principle that a ruling bodies power is restricted and defined by a written Constitution.
The government is defined in the Constitution and each branch has their own responsibilities
with their own restrictions. All the branches must follow the rights and laws mandated in the
constitution. Even if the choice/ law is in the best interest of the country it must follow the
mandates set in the Constitution; this is the pinnacle of limited government. [Show Less]