North Carolina Basic Law Enforcement Training (BLET) State Practice Exam

What is defined as the unlawful use, or threatened use, of force or violence against individuals or property to coerce governments to achieve specific objectives?

1. Criminal activity

2. Terrorism

3. Vandalism

4. Extortion

The correct answer is: Terrorism

The definition provided aligns with the term “terrorism.” This concept involves the unlawful use or threatened use of force or violence against individuals or property with the intention of coercing governments or societies to achieve specific ideological, political, or social objectives. Terrorism is characterized by its intent to instill fear and manipulate public perception or governmental action through violent means. Criminal activity refers broadly to actions that violate the law, but it does not specifically denote the element of coercion toward government objectives. Vandalism usually pertains to the willful destruction or defacement of property, lacking the broader political or coercive aspect associated with terrorism. Extortion involves obtaining something, especially money, from a person or entity through coercion, but it does not capture the wider ideological motives typically tied to acts of terrorism. Thus, terrorism is the most accurate classification in this context, emphasizing the coercive force directed at governmental entities for specific goals.