This lesson was developed as part of the An Adventure of the American Mind Northern Virginia Partnership (AAMNVA), a federally funded professional development program to assist educators in using Library of Congress primary resources to support student learning.

This lesson is a LibraryQuest, a student-directed exploration of a real life issue, problem, or question, which uses Internet resources to complete an authentic task. This LibraryQuest is designed for Grade 12 Virginia and United States Government classes. It asks students to explore the delicate balance between our government’s role and responsibility of protecting citizens’ civil rights versus the need to protect and promote the public interest.

Students explore the historical roots of this conflict through basic foundational documents such as the Declaration of Independence, U.S. Constitution, and Bill of Rights. They then look at specific instances in history where a clash took place. Finally they apply what they have learned to current issues, which test this same question, and evaluate current legislation.

This LibraryQuest addresses Virginia Standards of Learning found in:

VA Standard SOL GOVT.11d

The student will demonstrate knowledge of civil liberties and civil rights by exploring the balance between individual liberties and the public interest.

Unit V: Rights, Liberties, and Responsibilities

Enduring Understanding(s): The protection of civil liberties and civil rights, as guaranteed by the Constitution of the United States of America, is balanced by compelling public interest.

Conceptual Unit Question from Curriculum Guide: What is more important to society – government protection of individual rights, or a person’s civic duties and responsibilities?

Key Concepts: civil rights, civil liberties, due process, First Amendment freedoms, seditious speech, symbolic speech, writ of habeas corpus, unalienable rights, public interest, common good, clear and present danger, responsibilities of citizenship

Other materials and resources needed that are not listed in resource section include: Students may access information found in The Washington Post, The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal or other newspapers for research purposes as well as visit lobbying organization Web sites such as: The National Rifle Association, The American Civil Liberties Union, and the National Abortion Rights Action League among others, to further explore this issue surrounding rights and the public interest.