If the question is “Has the United States gone too far to protect civil rights at the expense of national security?”

You might want to look at the ACLU’s web site if you are going to say that the answer is no. http://www.aclu.org is their site and they are one of the leading proponents of civil liberties.

The Attorney General’s office would probably be good place to start for an argument on the other side. There is some good info about their position on the Patriot Act at http://www.lifeandliberty.gov/index.html

I have a position on this issue, but this is your homework. There are some good places to start. Good luck with your assignment.