Question

What is the FBI's main mission? A. fighting local crime B. investigating government corruption C. ensuring civil rights are protected D. protecting the country and its people

Short answer

D. protecting the country and its people

Step-by-step solution

- Understand Question

Identify what the question is asking. The question is asking for the main mission of the FBI.

- Analyze Each Option

Evaluate each answer choice to understand how it relates to the FBI's mission. A. Fighting local crime: The FBI does help with local crimes but it is not their main mission.B. Investigating government corruption: This is part of their duties, but not their primary mission.C. Ensuring civil rights are protected: This is an important role, but still not their primary mission.D. Protecting the country and its people: This encompasses the broader scope of the FBI's mission — national security.

- Identify the Best Answer

From the analysis, the option that best describes the FBI's main mission is 'Protecting the country and its people', which includes all their various roles and responsibilities under a unified goal.

- Confirm the Answer

Cross-check the interpretation of the answer with reliable sources to ensure accuracy. The FBI's main mission, as confirmed from official sources, is to protect and defend the United States.

Key concepts

federal agencies

Federal agencies are specialized organizations that operate within the government to fulfill specific duties and functions. The FBI, or Federal Bureau of Investigation, is a prime example of a federal agency. Established in 1908, the FBI has grown to become a significant force in maintaining law and order in the United States.
The responsibilities of federal agencies can vary widely, but they often include:

• Enforcing laws and regulations
• Investigating crimes
• Gathering intelligence
• Ensuring public safety

These agencies work alongside different levels of government to ensure that national interests are adequately served. For instance, the FBI collaborates with local and state police forces to handle crimes that require federal involvement.
Other federal agencies you might be familiar with include the CIA (Central Intelligence Agency), which focuses on foreign intelligence, and the NSA (National Security Agency), which is tasked with surveillance and other security-related tasks.
Being aware of the roles and operations of federal agencies helps us understand how the government maintains order and security in the country.

national security

National security involves protecting a country's citizens, economy, and institutions against threats. This concept encompasses a wide range of activities, from military defense to intelligence gathering and cybersecurity.
The FBI plays a crucial role in national security. Part of its mission is to gather intelligence on domestic and international threats to prevent acts of terrorism and other major crimes. The FBI works against threats like:

• International terrorism
• Cyber attacks
• Espionage
• WMD proliferation (Weapons of Mass Destruction)

The agency also collaborates with other national and international organizations to carry out this mission effectively. For example, the FBI often shares information with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the CIA, and allied foreign intelligence services to create a more comprehensive security network.
Understanding the role of national security and the FBI’s contribution to it helps us appreciate the complexities and importance of safeguarding the nation from various dangers.

government roles

Government roles are the different functions and responsibilities carried out by government bodies to ensure the smooth operation of a nation. These roles can range from law enforcement and public safety to education and healthcare.
The FBI is a clear example of a government entity with specific roles, particularly in law enforcement and intelligence. As a part of its government role, the FBI:

• Investigates federal crimes
• Enforces laws
• Conducts counterintelligence operations
• Protects civil rights

By carrying out these tasks, the FBI helps maintain the rule of law and ensure that justice is served.
Other government bodies also play crucial roles in different sectors. For example:

• The Department of Education oversees public education
• The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) focuses on environmental protection
• The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is responsible for public health

Understanding the various roles that government entities play helps us see how different parts of the system work together to serve public interests and maintain stable, functioning societies.