Research Paper: Civil Liberties & the Supreme Court
This paper will have students analyze the development of civil liberties in the US, how the Supreme Court has expanded civil liberties since the founding of the Republic and some modern controversies over civil liberties today.
Entitled Module 8, Written Assignment #4
Part 1: The Bill of Rights:
Explain why the Anti-federalists pushed for the Bill of Rights to be included in the US Constitution. What reasons did they cite as necessary in response to the desire of Federalists to create a strong central government?
Next, explain some of the civil liberties that were included and established individual freedoms for Americans. This website may be helpful: Bill of Rights of the United State of America (1791)
Finally, explain how the Supreme Court has expanded civil liberties in the U.S. since the creation of the Bill of Rights. Include in your discussion the role of the 14th Amendment to the Constitution.
Explain the balance of power between the individual and the government as interpreted by the Supreme Court and illustrated in the cases within your textbook. Refer to at least 3 cases. (For example; Gideon vs Wainright, Miranda v Arizona, Lemon v Kurtzman, Engel vs Vitale, Texas vs Johnson and Griswold v Connecticut.)
Part 2: Analyze these civil liberties in two important areas of controversy today.
First, as it pertains to national security, analyze the pros and cons of expanding government surveillance and give me your verdict on whether we should decrease civil liberties in the name of national security.
Next, when it comes to freedom of speech, do you believe the free speech clause of the US Constitution grants corporations the right to unlimited campaign contributions to politicians? Analyze the pros and cons.
Your essay should be between 500 and 600 words, double-spaced and in APA format, with parenthetical citations and a Reference List. A cover page is not necessary.
