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Curriculum

Liberty and Security in Modern Times

Essential Question

What is the proper balance between liberty and security? Using primary source documents, writing assignments, discussion prompts and other activities, students will explore this difficult question. This curriculum examines the balance between liberty and security over the last 60 years.

Published
Nov 21, 2020
Class resources about liberty and security in modern times

Curriculum resources

A man gestures toward a map during a political hearing, while others observe seated at a table.
LessonCivil Liberties and McCarthyism

How did anti-communist behaviors characterized American public life following World War II?

Interior view of a historic courtroom with wooden benches, ornate lighting, and decorative windows.
LessonDue Process and Fair Trials

Does the Supreme Court still have a responsibility to abide by fair trials, due process, and the Constitution during wartime? Evaluate the contradictory viewpoints concerning liberty and security.

George W. Bush signing a bill with several officials observing at a ceremonial event.
LessonSecurity, Liberty, and the USA Patriot Act

Was the Patriot Act constitutional? Evaluate the contradictory viewpoints of liberty and security as it concerns wartime measures. Analyze the significance of the changes to criminal procedure the Patriot Act applied to all federal criminal prosecution and evaluate the significance of protections against unreasonable searches and seizures.

Standards

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