Question

1) What is national security? What are national security interests? How do they connect to our Constitutional freedoms?

Answer 1

National security is the safeguarding of a nation's citizens and interests against threats. It closely relates to Constitutional freedoms through the preservation of democracy, unalienable rights, and the rule of law. Balancing national security with civil liberties is crucial, with diplomacy playing a key role in implementing foreign policy.

Step-by-step explanation:

What is National Security?

National security is the protection and preservation of a nation's people, institutions, and sovereignty against threats. It encompasses a wide array of initiatives and measures taken to ensure the safety and stability of a country. These initiatives protect against various threats, including terrorism, espionage, and foreign aggression.

National Security Interests and Constitutional Freedoms

National security interests are the strategic concerns and goals deemed crucial for the survival and well-being of a nation. They directly connect to our Constitutional freedoms as they aim to preserve the democratic principles, such as limited government, the rule of law, and individual unalienable rights, set forth by the Constitution.

National Security Policies

National security policies include strategies to address various threats, encompassing military defense, foreign policy, economic policy, and homeland security measures. National security policy became a formal aspect of U.S. foreign policy after World War II, evolving with the changing geopolitical landscape.

Balance between National Security and Civil Liberties

The need for national security can sometimes conflict with individual civil liberties. Governments need to balance these competing interests, ensuring that security measures do not unnecessarily infringe upon the rights and freedoms of its citizens. This balance is informed by the Constitution which guides the nation in securing basic freedoms and upholding justice through due process.

Diplomacy and National Security

Diplomacy is a core element of national security, functioning as a method of interacting with other nations peacefully to advance a country's interests and to prevent conflicts. Diplomatic strategies are often preferred for addressing international issues, as they can lead to solutions that do not require military intervention.

Answer 2

1.) National security is the requirement to maintain the survival of the state through the use of economic power, diplomacy, power projection and political power.

2.) National security interests include preserving US political identity, framework, and institutions; fostering economic well-being; and bolstering international order supporting the vital interests of the United States and its allies.

3.) National security connects to the freedoms of American’s in many ways. One example is that article four, section four of the Constitution states that the “United States shall guarantee to every State a republican form of government and shall protect each of them against invasion.” In other words, even if the federal government chose to exercise no other power, it must, under the Constitution, provide for the common defense.