Question

After Congress ruled that wiretapping was illegal

a) the FBI ceased all wiretapping activity.
b) the FBI continued wiretapping people secretly.
c) the FBI convinced Congress to grant it an exemption from the ban.
d) the FBI began wiretapping every member of Congress.
e) the CIA took over the job of wiretapping U.S. citizens.

Answer 1

Historically, government agencies like the FBI have continued wiretapping and surveillance activities even after such practices have been challenged or declared illegal, indicating that a simple cessation of activity is not the typical response.

Step-by-step explanation:

After Congress ruled that wiretapping was illegal, it's not accurate to say the FBI ceased all wiretapping activity. Historical instances indicate agencies like the FBI and CIA continued activities, sometimes covertly. The Terrorist Surveillance Program initiated by the Bush administration allowed warrantless wiretapping, and the passage of the Patriot Act expanded government surveillance capabilities. The FBI's COINTELPRO which started in 1956, used illegal surveillance techniques against various domestic organizations and continued for decades. It's apparent that governmental agencies have a history of pursuing wiretapping and surveillance, even if such activities have been declared illegal or challenged in courts.