Select One Topic For You To Develop And Remember To Use The ✓ Solved

Select One Topic For You To Develop And Remember To Use The Simulation

Select one topic for you to develop and remember to use the simulation to assist in applying the concepts and ideas expressed in the chapters. Choose from the following topics:

• Chapter 1: Combating terrorism has entailed restrictions on civil liberties. How can we reconcile civil liberty and national security? Are we better off opting for more liberty or more security? Are the two goals mutually exclusive? Have Americans become less supportive of the limitations on liberty put into place after the terror attacks in 2001, or do they still perceive that it makes sense to give up some liberties in order to feel more secure?
• Chapter 3: Consider the growing trend of marijuana legalization in some states, despite its unlawfulness at the federal level. Is it fair to those incarcerated on marijuana charges in states that currently outlaw the drug? When does federalism give citizens more protection, and when does it lead to potential instability? Would the example of the legalization of recreational marijuana be an example of the states as "laboratories of democracy"?
• Chapter 4: How much free speech should be allowed in the United States? Consider controversial speakers on campus: what is the duty of a college to provide a platform for different viewpoints? What is the duty of a college to provide for the safety of its students? Is the best way to counter controversial or even hate speech more speech? Or does allowing such speech lead to greater danger, like violence?

You must post three responses (200+ words minimum for each post). Please see the syllabus for additional information.

Sample Paper For Above instruction

In exploring the complex balance between civil liberties and national security, one of the central challenges is how to safeguard individual freedoms while ensuring the safety of the nation. The post-9/11 landscape brought about significant security measures, such as the USA PATRIOT Act, which introduced broad surveillance powers, detention policies, and increased governmental authority. While these measures aimed to prevent future terrorist attacks, they have raised important questions about the encroachment on civil liberties, including privacy rights, due process, and freedom from unwarranted surveillance (Harvard Law Review, 2020).

Reconciling civil liberties and security involves establishing a framework of checks and balances that limit governmental powers to what is necessary and proportionate to the threat. For example, implementing oversight mechanisms, such as federal审er oversight committees, judicial reviews, and transparency measures, can help prevent abuse. Furthermore, utilizing intelligence obtained through lawful and ethical means can help strike a balance between security and liberty (American Civil Liberties Union, 2022).

A critical debate concerns whether Americans have become more or less supportive of these security measures over time. Post-9/11, surveys indicated broad public support for increased security, often at the expense of some civil liberties. However, recent studies show a nuanced shift, with many Americans now expressing skepticism about certain surveillance practices and government overreach (Pew Research Center, 2021). This shift highlights a growing awareness and a desire to preserve fundamental freedoms without compromising national security.

In the context of marijuana legalization, the disparity between state and federal laws exemplifies the complexities of federalism. While states like Colorado and California have moved towards legal recreational use, federal law still classifies marijuana as a Schedule I drug. This creates conflicts, especially for individuals incarcerated for marijuana offenses under federal laws, raising issues of fairness and justice (Brookings Institution, 2019). The federalist approach can provide regional experimentation—thus fostering innovation and tailored policies—though it can also lead to confusion and legal instability when laws conflict.

The phrase "laboratories of democracy," coined by Justice Louis Brandeis, aptly describes this dynamic, as states serve as testing grounds for policies. However, when federal and state laws clash, it can undermine the consistency and protection that federal law aims to provide. An example is the differing marijuana policies, which reveal the tensions inherent in federalism when jurisdictional boundaries overlap.

Free speech remains a cornerstone of American democracy but with boundaries to prevent harm. Controversial campus speakers pose a dilemma: colleges must uphold the First Amendment's protections while ensuring student safety. Providing platforms for diverse viewpoints enhances academic discourse and critical thinking. However, when speech incites violence or hatred, institutions are faced with the responsibility to balance free expression with safety, sometimes restricting speech in cases where it threatens public order (American Association of University Professors, 2020).

Countering hate speech through more speech, such as public debates and educational initiatives, aligns with the First Amendment principle that ideas should be confronted with better ideas. Nevertheless, in some instances, allowing harmful speech can exacerbate tensions or violence, making it necessary for colleges to implement policies that protect their students without compromising free expression. The challenge lies in crafting nuanced approaches that respect rights while maintaining safety.

In conclusion, the United States continues to grapple with balancing civil liberties and security, the federal and state roles in policy-making, and the extent of free speech permissible in public forums. These issues are interconnected and require ongoing dialogue, judicial review, and adaptive policies that respect rights while addressing evolving threats and societal changes (National Constitution Center, 2023).

References

• American Association of University Professors. (2020). Free Speech and Academic Freedom. AAUP Report.
• American Civil Liberties Union. (2022). Surveillance and Privacy. ACLU.org.
• Brookings Institution. (2019). The Future of Marijuana Legalization. Brookings.edu.
• Harvard Law Review. (2020). Civil Liberties in the Post-9/11 Era. HarvardLawReview.org.
• National Constitution Center. (2023). The First Amendment in Contemporary Society. ConstitutionCenter.org.
• Pew Research Center. (2021). Americans' Views on Security and Liberty. PewResearch.org.