Evaluate effects of federal control on airport security

 

Overview: In November, Congress passed the Aviation and Transportation Security Act, creating the Transportation Security Administration and authorizing it to re-negotiate contracts with private security companies. Discuss how the federal governments taking control of airport security might impact airline passengers. Examine President Bush's State of the Union address to determine how the Aviation and Transportation Security Act supports his outlined goals for the United States.

Curriculum Connections: Government, Current Events

Have students read the story, "Feds take control of airport security ", and answer the following questions:

1. What is the Aviation and Transportation Security Act? What provisions are mandated by this act? What is function of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA)? Do you agree with the creation of this agency? Why or why not?

2. By what date do government-employed screeners have to be in place in airports? Why do you think the mandate allows time to put this process in place? Explain. What strategies are being implemented to ensure a smooth transition? What is Argenbright Security? Why does the story highlight this company? What are some people's concerns about future screeners? What qualifications do new applicants need to possess?

3. Share with students the following statement from the head of TSA John Magaw: "You had 60 companies all around the country doing slightly different things and there was no one oversight or one advisory group, one controlling unit … Now you have that." What are both the meaning and significance of this statement? What changes have you seen or heard about in airport security since the September 11 attacks? How do you think the creation of this agency will impact the future of airport security? Discuss.

4. Refer students to President George W. Bush's State of the Union address. In his speech, he touched on the war against terror, the economy, homeland defense, education and "the unique role in human events" that the nation faces. Then, ask: Which of the outlined goal(s) for the United States do you think the Aviation and Transportation Security Act supports? How do you think the federal government taking control of airport security will impact airline passengers? Discuss. Do you think it will be an improvement in airport security? Why or why not? Discuss.

Materials on this site are reproducible for classroom use.