You have 15 minutes to complete this exam. Each question is worth 5 points. Use only a number two pencil. Cheaters will be waterboarded.
I. Multiple Guess
Question 1: The line between totalitarian state and judicious use of surveillance is:
a) Tricky
b) Blurry
c) Nonexistent
Question 2: Our president (George W. Bush) is:
a) Dedicated to protecting our personal privacy and upholding our inalienable rights as laid out in the Constitution and Bill of Rights;
b) Completely unaware that the NDAA allows indiscriminate arrest and detainment of any U.S. citizen anywhere in the world;
c) The hand puppet of Wall St.
Question 3: Totalitarianism only happens in other countries
a) Yes
b) No
c) What other countries?
Question 4: The right to privacy is guaranteed in the Bill of Rights
a) Yes
b) No
c) I haven’t read it recently
d) I haven’t read it. Ever.
Question 5: The government has the capability to observe you through your webcam
a) Yes
b) No
c) Oh shit
Question 6: The NSAs new Utah Data Center, which can collect and analyze over 5 zettabytes (1 billion terrabytes, or more than an entire year of global internet traffic) is totally unlike the Star Wars Death Star because:
a) Darth Vader is really some actor with James Earl Jones’ voice
b) Susan Rice does not have cinnabuns glued to the sides of her head
c) We say so.
II. Essay questions
The next two questions are based on the following passage:
The Fourth Amendment – Protection from unreasonable search and seizure.
The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.
1) Define “probable cause”
2) Does internet use fall into this category of protection? Why or why not?
The next three questions are based on the following passage:
Fifth Amendment – due process, double jeopardy, self-incrimination, eminent domain.
No person shall be held to answer for a capital, or otherwise infamous crime, unless on a presentment or indictment of a Grand Jury, except in cases arising in the land or naval forces, or in the Militia, when in actual service in time of War or public danger; nor shall any person be subject for the same offence to be twice put in jeopardy of life or limb; nor shall be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against himself, nor be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor shall private property be taken for public use, without just compensation.
a) Are we currently in a “time of War or public danger”?
b) Describe, in detail, the most recent period in U.S. history that we were not in “a time of War or public danger”
c) Explain how a U.S. citizen can, in a criminal prosecution, legally be deprived of his/her liberty within due process of law and still be denied the right to an attorney or a speedy trial
III. True or False
Pick one from either column A or column B:
“It’s for the public good.” Truth/Bullshit
“There is a credible and distinct difference Truth/Bullshit between ideas that are meant to change society and terrorism.”
“Coercive questioning is necessary to detect Truth/Bullshit and prevent terrorist activities.”
“We know where the line between homeland Truth/Bullshit security and fascist despotism lies and we will never cross it, no matter how dire things become.”
“We don’t spy on Americans.” Truth/Bullshit
It is always best to trust the experts. They have Truth/Bullshit knowledge that we don’t and are far more experienced in determining what’s best in an emergency situation.
I believe that, in the effort to fight terrorism, my government has the right to: a) tap my phone Truth/Bullshit
b) read my emails Truth/Bullshit
c) monitor my web use Truth/Bullshit