Take a Position

In the "What's at Stake?" feature in this chapter, we discuss the controversy over the militia movement in the United States. These groups call themselves "Patriot groups."

Take a position: What does it mean to be a patriot?

As you develop your argument, answer the following questions:

Why do members of the militia movement view themselves as patriots? Are they?

Can a person who criticizes the government be a patriot? Can a person who wants to overthrow the government be a patriot?

How should one define loyalty to one's country?

Materials developed by Matthew J. Streb, Northern Illinois University