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Northern Essex Community College

Module 11 Prep Activity

Review the activity overview, learning objectives, directions, and submission expectations before submitting your work.

Overview

Following the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, Congress passed the USA PATRIOT Act to strengthen the government’s ability to detect, investigate, and prevent acts of terrorism. Supporters argue that the legislation provides law enforcement and intelligence agencies with critical tools needed to protect national security. Critics contend that some provisions expand government surveillance powers at the expense of privacy rights and civil liberties.

This activity asks you to evaluate competing perspectives regarding the Patriot Act. You will examine the balance between public safety and individual rights while preparing arguments for an in-class debate.

Learning Objectives

(These objectives support the prep activity and are not the questions to be answered.)

  • LO1: Explain how the Patriot Act expanded the investigative powers of law enforcement and intelligence agencies. (SLO6)
  • LO2: Evaluate the relationship between national security, civil liberties, and constitutional protections. (SLO3, SLO6)
Prep Topic
  • The Patriot Act remains one of the most controversial laws enacted in response to terrorism. Supporters argue that expanded surveillance and investigative powers are necessary to protect the nation. Critics argue that some provisions threaten privacy rights and constitutional freedoms.
  • Create a bullet list of arguments supporting both positions below.
  • Position A: The Patriot Act provides essential tools that help law enforcement and intelligence agencies prevent terrorism, protect national security, and save lives.
  • Position B: The Patriot Act grants excessive authority to the government and creates significant risks to privacy, civil liberties, and constitutional protections.
  • Prepare at least five talking points supporting each position.
  • Research at least five specific provisions, authorities, or investigative powers associated with the Patriot Act.
  • Consider issues such as:
    • National security
    • Terrorism prevention
    • Surveillance authorities
    • Roving wiretaps
    • Business records collection
    • Intelligence sharing
    • Privacy rights
    • Fourth Amendment protections
    • Government oversight
    • Civil liberties
    • Foreign intelligence investigations
    • Public safety versus individual freedom
  • After preparing arguments for both positions, identify whether you believe the Patriot Act is primarily an asset or a liability to American society and explain why.
  • Be prepared to defend either position during the in-class debate regardless of your personal opinion.
Acceptable & Ethical Use of AI
  • You may use AI tools to identify provisions of the Patriot Act and summarize competing viewpoints; however, you should independently verify any information before including it in your prep activity.
  • If you use AI to assist with brainstorming or research, your final prep must reflect your own analysis, conclusions, and understanding of the course material.
Directions

Please read all instructions carefully before submitting your prep activity.

  • Your prep should be no longer than 1 page.
  • This NOT a paper but rather talking points in bullets for our in-class meeting.
  • Abstract NOT needed.
  • Sources are NOT needed.
  • Submissions are checked against a Plagiarism Checker and AI Detector.
    • Direct quotes should not exceed 15% of the total paper.
    • AI Usage – you must use AI ethically. Papers written by an AI is cheating.
  • Stop over-thinking this activity. It should be a simple list of talking points.
Submission Guidelines
  • Submit your prep activity through the designated submission area.
  • Accepted formats include Word or PDF unless otherwise specified.
  • Review the grading rubric before submitting your work.
  • Submissions are checked using both a plagiarism checker and AI detection software.
  • Direct quotations should not exceed 15% of the total submission.
Important Reminder

Important: All work must be your own. AI may be used only in the limited and ethical ways described above. Using AI to write your submission is considered academic dishonesty. This activity is intended to prepare you for class discussion, so focus on creating your own talking points and analysis.