Question

use the image below to answer the following question.
source: signe wilkinson, flickr creative commons
after the terrorist attacks on september 11th, 2001,
congress passed the usa patriot act, which expanded
the federal government’s powers to prevent terrorism.
which statement best expresses the message in the
political cartoon?
choose 1 answer:
a the usa patriot act has given the
government too much power to detain
suspected terrorists.

b the usa patriot act has given the
government too much power to perform
searches.

c the usa patriot act has led to more arrests
of suspected terrorists and uncovered valuable
information.

d the usa patriot act has been necessary to
guarantee public safety from another terrorist
attack.

Explanation:

The cartoon shows a person labeled "PATRIOT ACT" with a lineup, and the question is about a librarian not turning over files. The PATRIOT Act's powers related to searching (like accessing library files) are reflected in option B, as it's about the government's power to perform searches (accessing files is a form of search - related power). Option A is about detention, C is positive about arrests/info (cartoon implies criticism), D is about necessity (cartoon is critical, not supportive). So B fits as the cartoon suggests the Act overreaches in search - like powers (accessing library files).

Answer:

B. The USA PATRIOT Act has given the government too much power to perform searches.