During the cold war, people were afraid of communists, both outside and inside the United States. The red scare and McCarthyism that grew out of these fears was damaging to the American way of life. During the McCarthy years, many of the freedoms guaranteed in he bill of rights were limited.

Question

During the cold war, people were afraid of communists, both outside and inside the United States. The red scare and McCarthyism that grew out of these fears was damaging to the American way of life. During the McCarthy years, many of the freedoms guaranteed in he bill of rights were limited. 
Write a paragraph explaining what lessons can be learned from the McCarthy era about what United States citizens need to protect in order to preserve the democratic political system and American way of life.

I have fully explained the prospect of McCarthyism and the damage that McCarthy had caused in my response, now I need to actually explain what lessons can be learned here, what U.S. citizens need to do, etc. (or what the question is actually asking for). I know what McCarthyism is, but I am unsure what the question is asking. Could someone give me an example? Thanks

Ms. Sue · Accepted Answer

You're on the right path.

Many favorite entertainers were banned from performing because they had sometime or other were said to favor the Communist party. For a short time, we teachers had to sign loyalty oaths.

And then my friend John wrote to East Germany while researching his book Who Lived Where in Europe. The embassy was very helpful and loaned him information about the homes of famous East Germans. A few months later, he received a call from an FBI agent. He came to our home to find out more about that exchange of information and to ask John to report to them if he had any more information from them. We were appalled that the FBI would know what he received by U.S. mail!

Max · Answer

This is what I added in:

This era goes to show how democracy is important. Freedom and involvement of the people is key. Accounting for citizens is important in sustaining a healthy environment. America is a free country, and having a movement that dictates our very livelihood without any accreditation should not be legal.

Am I on the right path or is this completely wrong?

Max · Answer

Wow 0_0, that's crazy. It really sucks that stuff like that happened. Thank you for the help, Ms. Sue

Ms. Sue · Answer

You're welcome. And let's hope that we never experience that kind of fear and restrictions again.