Background Information
The Patriot Act was signed into law by the former President, George W. Bush in 2001 following the 9/11 terrorist attacks. The act gave government agencies unprecedented powers dealing in surveillance and information collection. Use the following sources to learn more about the Patriot Act and the political, legal, and social issues surrounding it.
- CQ Researcher This link opens in a new windowGives overviews of major topic areas. Includes articles, lists of other resources, and Pro and Con arguments for most topics.
- The 9/11 EncyclopediaOffers multiple perspectives on the 9/11 terrorists attacks, including entries on the Patriot Act, the timeline of the bill, and the impact the Patriot Act had on the presidency and public opinion.
- Dictionary of American Government and PoliticsThis encyclopedia offers definitions and explanations of major terms, figures and places in American government. This title also raises awareness of debates surrounding the topics covered.
- The Gale Encyclopedia of Everyday LawThis source covers topics from everyday American law, including a section on the Patriot Act.
- The War on Terror EncyclopediaCovers the War on Terror that erupted in the aftermath of the September 11 attacks, and covers government acts and policies like the Patriot Act.