Should Government Restrict Civil Liberties

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Whether it is acceptable for the government to restrict any of our civil liberties during times of war, is of great concern and consideration. This essay argues that sacrificing some civil liberties occasionally to keep peace, defend our nation, and silence opposition, is reasonable. Our nation has already been through times where civil liberties have been muted in order to maintain their governmental influence. With the help of outside sources, the argument for limitation of civil liberties is made compelling and engaging. Without civil liberties, America would be empty. This type of dystopian nation would compromise simple American values that the people take for granted. They are the guarantees to each individual, granting them protections against government actions, not to be mistaken for civil rights, which are the legal actions taken by the government to create equal conditions for every individual. While it is arguable whether all civil liberties should be protected by the United States, there are exceptions likewise. In any event, while …show more content…

Alexander Hamilton once claimed, “liberty and power are not always adversaries, that indeed, the “vigor” of government is essential to the security of liberty” (Owens, “Civil Liberties in Wartimes”). President Lincoln acted in accordance with Hamilton’s claim. During the civil war, Lincoln suspended the writ of habeas corpus, meaning, “individuals could be arrested and held without formal charges being lodged against them” (Moyers, “Civil Liberties in Wartimes”). In example, this was a suspension of the civil liberties of freedom of speech and press in wartime. His actions are justified, but there are many that believe his actions were wrong. On the other hand, in this case of civil war, the public required the suspension of this civil liberty in order to maintain peace, against dangers of invasion and

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