1) The people in charge.
2) Their motives.
3) Ask (Rep.) James Sensenbrenner, author of the original Patriot Act.
Lord knows there are areas where I disagree with Sensenbrenner, but the man does know what the laws he’s authored are all about.
Incidentally, there’s an excellent article in the July, 2013 issue of “Wired” magazine, about the NSA, it’s activities and capabilities, etc. It should be required reading (at least for every citizen who can understand it.) Anyone who thinks these capabilities will not be turned inward someday, if they are not already, is just plain naive.