The War on Terror:Homeland Security

Objectives I can explain how the United States changed its

homeland security policies following 9/11.

I can discuss the balance between security and civil liberties.

Take a Stand Statements Statement 1: We need more security checks for

airline passengers.

Statement 2: The government should be able to view internet browsing history and phone records of suspected terrorists.

Statement 3: The government should be able to look at my internet browsing history and phone records to determine if I might be a terrorist.

Civil Liberties vs. Security

Civil Liberties: The freedom of a citizen to exercise rights such as freedom of speech, movement, or assembly without unwarranted or arbitrary interference by the government.

Security: Protection from terrorist attacks.

Homeland Security After 9/11

Many viewed 9/11 as the result of a failure of intelligence and communication between Government Agencies. Department of Homeland Security: A branch of the

government which combined many government agencies and tasked them with preventing and responding to terrorist attacks against the United States. Granted huge amounts of funding.

The Patriot Act: A Law passed by Congress in 2001 that gave the government the ability use wiretaps, internet records, and increased surveillance to track potential terrorist threats.

Fusion Centers Fusion Centers: A national network of centers housed

in major urban areas with the aim of gathering and communicating information to other parts of the country.

Are We Safer? Discussion Questions

Are We Safer? What strategies does the government use to gather

intelligence on possible terrorist threats? Which strategies seem effective and which ones not? Are there any strategies being used by our

government that concern you? Why or why not?

SAR Activity Read about each situation. Decide whether the situation should be considered

suspicious or not. Be ready to defend your answer.

What are possible problems with SAR reporting?

Take a Stand Part 2 The use of Suspicious Activity Reports provide a

valuable resource on potentially criminal behaviors which has helped to keep this country safe over the past 15 years.”

Captain America: Political Dilemma

Captain America: Politics of Superheroes What connections does Captain America’s stories have

with issues that we have examined during this unit? Based on his stances of not allowing the government

to control his actions as a superhero and not using technology to kill suspected terrorists represent that of America?