Lesson 1 - Overview and Context of Homeland Security
Lesson Overview
This lesson provides students with a comprehensive overview of the field of homeland security, from its origins and treatment in the Constitution, and other controlling authorities, to its organization, programs, and policies.
Since its creation, the U.S. has been subjected to threats from all hazards, and has often responded in an inconsistent or incomplete manner. Its political organization, consisting of a limited federal government, with security powers shared among its branches, as well as with state and local governments, has resulted in a complex decision making landscape for the policy maker, one which has often resulted in risk management.
The participation of several decision making authorities involved in the management of homeland security, and the priority of protecting individual rights and liberties, have often resulted in situations where there are imperfect responses, contributing to our vulnerability, and leading to the question of who is in charge. Students will gain familiarity with the strategic challenge of protecting the homeland in light of its very broad definition, and gain appreciation for the inevitable strengths and weaknesses inherent in the makeup of the US form of governance.