HLS201: Introduction to Homeland Security

Overview

This part of the lesson will provide you an overview of the homeland security course you are embarking on. It is important to note the interrelationships of the homeland security mission among the three branches of the federal government. To that end, we will briefly review the structure of the executive, legislative, and judicial branches. In addition, we will study in detail in future lessons the vital role of state and local governments in homeland security, especially in the field of emergency management. At the conclusion of our weekly assignment, you will be asked to participate in a discussion forum that will pose a question that needs to be answered. I will monitor your postings daily and will provide input and feedback. Your interaction between your fellow students will also be monitored. Please be respectful of your colleagues' thought and opinions.

Key Terms

There will be key terms that will be stated throughout the course. Refer to the following definitions.

Statutory Authority: The legally granted authority bestowed on the named recipient by a legislative body that provides a government agency, board, or commission the power to perform the specific functions, expenditures, and actions described in the enacted law.

Executive Order: A declaration by the president or by a governor that has the force of law. Executive orders are usually based on existing statutory authority and require no action from the state legislature to become effective.

Presidential Directive: A form of an executive order issued by the president that establishes an action or change in the structure or function of the government.  This order generally affects the executive branch of the federal government. Under Presidents Obama and Bush, directives have been termed Homeland Security Presidential Directives (HSPDs) and National Security Presidential Directives (NSPDs). Previously, under President Clinton, they were termed Presidential Decision Directives (PDDs) and Presidential Review Directives (PRDs).

Lesson Readings & Activities

By the end of this lesson, make sure you have completed the readings and activities found in the Course Schedule.

Roles and Responsibilities of Government

Throughout the course, you will be asked to read about, analyze, and better understand the roles and responsibilities of our nation’s three branches of our federal government: the executive, legislative, and judicial branches. In addition, you will be provided an overview of the key relationships that are vital in the world of homeland security and emergency management between the federal, state, and local levels of government. It is my hope that you have a broad understanding of these important roles; however, since it has probably been several years since you last studied Civics 101, I recommend you review the links on the following pages that will assist you in more fully understanding the roles and responsibilities. 

The Executive Branch            The Legislative Branch           The Judicial Branch

Finally, during the course, we will be studying in detail several pieces of legislation enacted by Congress in the last decade in reaction to the attacks on our nation on September 11, 2001. It is important for you to have an understanding of this process which will be useful in providing your own interpretation of these federal laws–usually referred to herein as statutes. Before we begin those discussions, I would like for you to review the material on our U.S. Constitution provided in this lesson. You will be asked to refer to this amazing document throughout the course.

The Constitution

On September 17, 1787 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the U.S. Constitution was adopted with the expectation to provide a permanent guarantee of the political liberties achieved in the Revolution. The Constitution defines the structure and function of the federal government as well as guarantees all Americans that certain basic rights and liberties are protected.

During our study of legislative and executive level decisions in reaction to the 9/11 attacks, you will note the ongoing discussion and debate regarding the implications of those actions regarding the civil liberties and civil rights inherent in the Constitution. Unfortunately, many of these debates were undertaken by people who did not possess a grasp of the full contents of the amazing work of our founding fathers who authored the Constitution. To better understand this debate, it is a course requirement for you to read and review essential components of our Constitution. 

Please note that this idea is the major theme throughout the document. 

The Preamble of the Constitution provides the fundamental justification for homeland security activities through the guarantee of domestic tranquility and the provision for the common defense of our nation. Additionally, the document guarantees a republican form of government in every state, the protection from invasion, and an application of the legislature or the executive protection against domestic violence.

To ensure these principles survive, the executive, legislative, and judicial branches of government formulate and review key guidance using a variety of means. As we progress during the course and study the laws, rules, and regulations enacted to combat terrorism and ensure our nation’s security, we will be continually faced with a fundamental question: How much liberty are we willing to surrender to the federal government in return for the objective of a more secure homeland? As students of this field and prospective practitioners of the craft, we must be ever mindful of the legal principles of our nation as outlined so dramatically by our founding fathers. As you review this week’s assignment on our Constitution, please keep this fundamental question as part of your thought process.

View the transcript of the United States Constitution

Reference

Brooks, J. (1992). Constitution: Forward and historical notes. Washington, DC: U.S. House of Representatives. Retrieved April 18, 2012, from http://www.house.gov/house/Foreword.shtml