Which statement best defines domestic terrorism?

Which statement best defines domestic terrorism?

• A. Occurs within the U.S. without foreign direction
• B. Occurs outside the U.S.
• C. Requires foreign direction
• D. Occurs only in government facilities

Answer: (A)

Domestic terrorism refers to violent acts intended to intimidate or coerce for political, religious, or ideological purposes that occur within the United States and are not directed by foreign powers. The defining features are location inside the country and the absence of foreign direction or control. This is what makes the statement about something happening within the U.S. without foreign direction the best definition. By contrast, acts outside the U.S. describe international terrorism; requiring foreign direction describes transnational or international terrorism; and terrorism isn’t limited to government facilities, since such acts can target civilians and non-government sites as well.

Domestic terrorism refers to violent acts intended to intimidate or coerce for political, religious, or ideological purposes that occur within the United States and are not directed by foreign powers. The defining features are location inside the country and the absence of foreign direction or control. This is what makes the statement about something happening within the U.S. without foreign direction the best definition. By contrast, acts outside the U.S. describe international terrorism; requiring foreign direction describes transnational or international terrorism; and terrorism isn’t limited to government facilities, since such acts can target civilians and non-government sites as well.