Lesson 1: Individual Rights at the State and Federal Level

Activity 1.1: Defining Liberty’s Limits

http://origins.osu.edu/sites/origins.osu.edu/files/1-13-img273.jpg

Chicago Police and protesters clash outside of the Democratic National Convention on August 28, 1968. Perhaps clash is the wrong word since it denotes an equal struggle between the parties. The heavily armed members of the police force hit, teargassed, and beat thousands of unarmed protesters while their actions were being broadcast on live on national television. Though a few rabble-rousers were among the 10,000 protestors, the demonstration was legal and peaceful before the Chicago Police intervened. It was later determined that it was the Chicago Police that started the violence and the event is now often referred to as “The 1968 Chicago Police Riot”. In what ways were the rights of the protestors infringed upon by the Chicago Police on that August day in 1968?

Liberty versus order. Most people would agree that there needs to be balance between liberty’s freedoms and the law and order that prevent total chaos. Yet what is the right balance between liberty and order? Too much law and order would will squelch individual liberties and create an authoritarian police state whereas too little law and order could lead to insecurity and a lack of confidence necessary to promote a given society’s functioning. What is the correct balance between the two opposing forces? A word to the wise: not everyone will agree with what you may consider to be your rights and liberties. Sometimes those disagreeing people are your family and friends. Sometimes it could turn out that those people that disagree with you are the local police and the county prosecutor. It goes without saying that you should not only know your rights and liberties but also the limits of your rights and liberties. How far can you take your freedom before you break the law? In this lesson, you will respond to a few questions based upon your personal opinions and background knowledge to ascertain your level of comfort with constitutional issues.

Benchmark 9.1.3.4.1:

Analyze the meaning and importance of rights in the United States Constitution and the Bill of Rights and subsequent amendments; compare and contrast these with rights in the Minnesota Constitution.

Learning Target:

I can...describe my personal understanding of rights and liberties prior to my instructional engagement with the unit.

Essential Question:

In your own words, what types of personal actions/choices are not protected by the Constitution and Bill of Rights?

To complete Activity 1.1 please follow the steps below:

Please follow the proper forum discussion policies: Internet Etiquette = Netiquette

1)Be efficient in your posts and emails!
a. Stay on topic!

b. Write clearly, concisely with correct grammar and mechanics (proofread!)

c. Use formatting (bullets, paragraphs, numbering, indents, bolds, etc.) to improve understanding and readability.

d. Post only when you have something significant to contribute to the discussion

e. Avoid “empty” posts such as “I agree” or “cool.” Add to the discussion by explaining why you agree or why you think it’s cool. The same goes for the “IDK” response. IDC (I don’t care) if you IDK. Think.

f. Post links rather than long, copied passages

g. Use meaningful subject headers and thread topics


2) Maintain academic environment!

a. Use formal and informal styles appropriately

b. Disagree respectfully with the point, not the person

c. Address private disagreements or conflicts privately

d. DON’T USE ALL CAPS! IT’S SHOUTING!

3) Avoid misunderstandings!

a. Consider your audience – all of it

b. Give others the benefit of the doubt

c. Avoid sarcasm

d. Be extra careful with humor


4) Follow rules and laws!

FORUM QUESTIONS
After you post your responses, please continue the forum discussion by responding to two additional posts.

  1. Describe “liberty” in your own words.

  1. What freedoms are guaranteed to you by the First Amendment of the Constitution?

  1. Imagine the following scenario: You are a citizen who is outraged with one of your state’s politicians and you decide to join a protest against this politician that is to be held outside of your state’s capitol building. You have been told to create your own picket sign to bring to the protest. You DO NOT want to be arrested, yet you want to make a strong statement with your picket sign. What type of message should you NOT write on your picket sign if you want to stay out of jail?

Imagine that the U.S. government suspects that you know about terrorist activities or are a terrorist. Explain why the government should or should not have the right to carry out the following actions:

  1. The FBI obtains your business and medical records because you rented a room in your house to a terrorist suspect.

 

  1. The FBI searches your home without a warrant.

  1. Federal agents put you in prison indefinitely without specific charges while they look for evidence of your association with terrorists.

  1. In your own words, what types of personal actions/choices are not protected by the Constitution and Bill of Rights?