(CPOD) Sept. 15, 2003 - Americans remain divided over how far their authorities should act in the war against terrorism, according to a poll by Gallup. 49 per cent of respondents say the government should not violate basic civil liberties for the sake of security.

A large number of respondents are not familiar with the "Patriot Act." Passed by congress and signed into law by George W. Bush in October 2001, new rules enable the federal government to gather information on suspected terrorists through court-ordered wiretaps and searches.

Polling Data

Which comes closer to your view -- the government should take all steps necessary to prevent additional acts of terrorism in the U.S. even if it means your basic civil liberties would be violated, or the government should take steps to prevent additional acts of terrorism but not if those steps would violate your basic civil liberties?

As you may know, shortly after the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, a law called the Patriot Act was passed which makes it easier for the federal government to get information on suspected terrorists through court-ordered wiretaps and searches. How familiar are you with the Patriot Act -- very familiar, somewhat familiar, not too familiar, or not familiar at all?

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