Write a paragraph explaining what lessons can be learned from the McCarthy era about what the U. S citizens need to protect in order to preserve the democratic political system and American way of life.

The McCarthy Era was one of the darkest periods in U. S. history. The government was so intent on flushing out communism that they disregarded the rights of its citizens. It was a terrible time to be different or speak against the government. Those who did were already put under suspicion. Many who were put on the blacklist during that time suffered a lot. Some lost their careers while others were imprisoned over hyped-up charges. If there was anything we need to learn is that we need to protect our freedoms of speech, the right to fair trial and the right not to be subjected to unlawful arrest.