We are a Republic... Our “Pledge of Allegiance” says we are a Republic, which is a country in which

We elect people (Senators, Representatives and the President) who are supposed to be bound by our rule book (the Constitution and its amendments) to represent us in Washington, D.C. They are not supposed to vote their whims or personal prejudices, but are supposed to follow the rule book.

These elected officials swear to uphold the Constitution of the U.S. and protect it from all enemies, foreign or domestic. Here’s the President’s oath:

"I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully execute the Office of President of the United States, and will to the best of my ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States."

The Fourth Amendment to the Constitution says:

"The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized."

You have probably heard on TV shows things like “we have a warrant for your arrest” or “we have a warrant to search your house.” (Warrant - a document issued by a legal or government official authorizing the police or some other body to make an arrest, search premises, or carry out some other action relating to the administration of justice.) A judge has to authorize the warrant based on evidence that there may be a crime involved, and the warrant says specifically where the search can take place and what can be taken.

We have evolved technologically to internet and email. The Fourth Amendment should include those, so for the government to be spying on all Americans via internet is a violation of this Amendment and every elected Washington official is violating the Constitution if supporting it.