Final answer:
The Patriot Act of 2001 expanded the powers of the federal government to use surveillance against individuals suspected of involvement in terrorism.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Patriot Act of 2001, officially known as the Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism Act, expanded the powers of the federal government to legally use surveillance against individuals suspected of involvement in international or domestic terrorism.
This law was a response to the 9/11 attacks and aimed to enhance national security by allowing the government to monitor electronic communications in order to prevent future terrorist acts.
However, the Patriot Act has been controversial, with critics arguing that it infringes on civil liberties and gives the government too much power.