Question 1. What are the best or smartest arguments in support of the Obama administration’s drone policy? Explain in 4-6 sentences.
Refer to at least two sources in our drone readings packet, and make sure that one of them is Source 10, written by drone advocate Michael Lewis.
Question 2. Based on the evidence in the packet, did Obama’s drone policy violate the U.S. Constitution?
Explain in 4-6 sentences and refer to at least two sources in our drone packet. You might also find it useful to review the following relevant parts of the U.S. Constitution:
Fourth Amendment: “The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.”
Fifth Amendment (excerpt): “nor shall any person … be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law.”
Sixth Amendment: “In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right to a speedy and public trial, by an impartial jury of the State and district wherein the crime shall have been committed, which district shall have been previously ascertained by law, and to be informed of the nature and cause of the accusation; to be confronted with the witnesses against him; to have compulsory process for obtaining witnesses in his favor, and to have the Assistance of Counsel for his defence.”
Question 3. Setting aside questions about the Constitution, what are some other arguments against the Obama administration’s drone policy? Explain in 4-6 sentences. Refer to at least two sources in our drone readings packet.
Question 4. Except for the last source, all the readings in our drone packet come from before 2013. Find an interesting news article, opinion piece, work of art, or musical song about drones that appeared between 2014 and the present day.
Write 3-5 sentences explaining why that article or item would make a good addition to a revised version of this drone packet.
Question 5. What is your overall view of the drone strike controversy. Do you find U.S. policy under Obama (and/or Trump and Biden) justifiable, unjustifiable, or a combination of the two? Explain in 3-5 sentences.
