Discuss the constitutional issues raised by the governments response to antiwar sentiments

There have been some constitutional issues raised by the governments in response to antiwar sentiments. Through history we find the Sedition Act of 1798 in the early years, the Civil War censorship, the Civil Rights campaigns of the 1960s during the Vietnam War until the Patriot Act after 9/11.

U.S. government always try to protect the information and control freedom of speech during war times, not respecting the principles of the First Amendment.

During the Revolutionary War era there were restrictions on speech to those considered loyal to the King of England. In 1798, the Sedition Act criminalized the public expression of false or scandalous information about the U.S.  

The Civil War period was of government repression of free speech and the press.  Abraham Lincoln controlled the telegraph lines and prohibited the printing of war news without approval. During World War I and II, the government limited the information that was considered disloyal

In the Vietnam War years, many students groups protested outside the 1968 Democratic National Convention were attacked by the police, compromising the principles of the First Amendment.

Finally, the Patriot Act after the attacks on Septemeber 11, 2001 allowed government legislators to pass federal legislation known as the “United and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism.”  Today known as the Patriot Act.

b. ensure mutual protection from communism.

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