Origins and Context of U.S. Homeland Security Law

Lesson Overview:

This lesson examines the foundation and underlying principles of homeland security law, as enunciated in key provisions of the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the Federalist Papers.  Those historic documents contain precepts for the central organizing principles of self-evident truths, unalienable rights, and terms of governance, such as limited government with the consent of the governed, and the right to remove an oppressive government.  So deeply ingrained are those principles that the discussion begins with the experience of the early settlers of the U.S. in their struggle for survival, prosperity and the preservation of their values.  The lesson offers a context for the requirement of individual rights and freedom, the responsibilities associated with the assumption of risk, and the role of government in the enterprise of providing a structure in which the missions articulated in the Preamble can be realized. 

Objectives:

• Describe the attitude of the U.S. citizen toward freedom and responsibility, and the role of government
• Explain the underlying principles upon which the democratic republic of the U.S. was founded

Please complete the assignments and readings outlined on the course schedule for this week.