Legislative and Executive Powers Coursework Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Legislative and Executive Powers - Coursework Example ess the emotionally-fueled anger of the people because of the impending threats by extremists groups allowed Congress to pass a bill that was not well-planned in a relatively short time. The Patriot Act was passed only 45 days after the 9/11 attacks to provide a solution to the breach in national security. Many regard this law as a legal means for the government to spy on virtually any person. The wide reach of the law allows surveillance of private individuals that extends to their phone conversations, internet communications and even bank transactions. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is granted the power to National Security Letters known as NSLs without judicial intervention which allows them access to the mentioned personal information. Those issued with NSLs have ‘gag orders’ prohibiting them to disclose (American Civil Liberties Union [ACLU], 2011). Several courts have declared this provision to be unlawful. A San Francisco federal district court judge st ruck down as unconstitutional the provisions of the law in this regard last year on an action brought by the Electronic Frontier Foundation (Sledge, 2013). Sledge, C. (2013, Mar. 15). National security letter gag orders struck down as unconstitutional (Update). The Huffington Post. Retrieved from