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Home > Legal Reference Library > USA PATRIOT Act of 2001
Lesson Plan
Legal Reference Library

USA PATRIOT Act of 2001

6-8
9-12
One class period
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Learning Objectives

  • Explain the purpose and main provisions of the USA PATRIOT Act
  • Identify a criticism of the USA PATRIOT Act
  • Analyze the Act’s impact on terrorism and people’s lives
  • Write a persuasive argument using evidence from the reading and activity
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Overview

The events of 9/11 changed the government’s approach to fighting terrorism. In this mini-lesson, students gain an overview of the USA PATRIOT Act of 2001 and how it changed the way government security agencies function. After analyzing the Act’s impact on terrorism, students consider the government’s dual role to protect people and individual rights.

How to use this lesson: Use this lesson by itself or pair it with more iCivics resources, like the Supreme Court case Clapper v. Amnesty (2013) or You’ve Got Rights!. For more suggestions, see the downloadable teacher resources below.

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