- 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 2-US Constitution.
- Would the Foundering Fathers be happy with the way the Constitution is interpreted today?
In light of the recent NSA Spying on Americans. Do you believe that government has a right to do so or is Security more important than our constitutional right? - 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 be more speech? Or does allow such speech lead to greater danger, like violence?
