Individual Privacy In The United States

“We will not trade our liberty for security. Not now, not ever”! (dilemmas p. 2) Senator Rand Paul of Kentucky stated in a security speech to the CPAC. There are two conflicting views emerging in today’s American society. Supporters of each of these perspectives are strengthened as they fight for their opinions to be the ideal enforced by laws. The conflict is over, which is more important to the American people; national security, through which the government strives to protect its people, or the individual citizen’s right to privacy and freedom. An individual’s “privacy is the state or condition of being free from being observed or disturbed by other people”,() specifically, the government authorities. “National security is a concept that a government...should protect the state and its citizens.” () Privacy for the individual citizen is more important than national security, because the 4th Amendment to the Constitution prohibits illegal searches and seizures, minimal government surveillance of the past has grown beyond an acceptable point, and individual’s right of privacy and freedom is the ultimate strength and protection for Americans. (debatewise p 1, 2, 3)
The 4th Amendment of the Constitution states, “The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated…, but upon probable cause…” That means that illegal searches and seizures are prohibited. Because of the 4th Amendment, people are protected and have a right to privacy. Without a legitimate reason the authorities cannot follow, watch, and collect information about general