Bill of Rights

Questions for Further Study

• 1. Is there a conflict between a rights-based political system and the power and authority of the government? That is, can the guarantee of rights so limit the reach of the government that governing becomes difficult, if not impossible? Or is a rights-based system more likely to strengthen popular support for the government, which is so vital in a democratic system?
• 2. In an age of terrorism, is a rights-based culture in conflict with the effective prosecution of a war against terrorism? Can a war against terrorism be effectively fought if the hands of the government are tied? Examine the series of conflicts that took place between the George W. Bush administration and rights activists and discuss which viewpoints seem to you to be more rationally grounded. For insight, see the Patriot Act and the Executive Order Establishing the Office of Homeland Security.