Primarily, the Patriot Act is a violation of the First Amendment, which guarantees freedom of speech, press, religion and peaceful assembly (US Constitution). However, the Patriot Act does not encourage people to speak, practice certain religions or participate in certain a

ctivities liberally. The Act expands the surveillance powers of government agencies, such as the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and allows the FBI to monitor phone calls, electronic mail, websites and online purchases (ACLU). As a result, people may feel less free to speak their mind or participate in activities of which the government may not approve. According to the American Civil Liberties Union's former president, Norman Dorsen, "The Patriot Act provides the government with the authority to prosecute individuals… especially those who sympathize with 'terrorist' groups" (Masci). In addition, expanded government surveillance allows the FBI to demand information from third parties. This is a violation of the third parties’ rights, because they are forbidden from revealing that this has occurred (ACLU).

The Patriot Act must be eliminated, because it denies individuals of their most basic rights and disregards current legislation. The Patriot Act violates an individual’s right to speak, peacefully assemble and practice religion. It also infringes on an individual’s right to property, because it permits government agencies to conduct a search without probable cause or a warrant. As a result, America will transform into a police state, which prosecutes the beliefs of an individual, not their actions. The government should encourage its citizens to think and speak their mind freely, because this right separates a democracy from more restrictive forms of government.

Also, the Sixth Amendment guarantees “the assistance of counsel for … defense” (US Constitution). However, lawyers do not have to be provided under the Patriot Act, even if the individual cannot afford a lawyer. This means that the government is free to torture and interrogate the individual (ACLU). Many fear that the individual's Fifth Amendment may be infringed if law enforcement's behavior is not being supervised. Individuals may be forced to answer questions and violate the right for them not to say anything self-incriminating. According to Dorsen, "the government has the right to as

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