Explain the role of the criminal justice system within the structure of the federal, state, and local governments.

Explanation should include

• the three branches of the federal government and the responsibilities of each
• law enforcement agencies that operate under the executive branch of the federal government
• branches of the state government and the placement of law enforcement courts and corrections within that structure
• organization of local government and the placement of criminal agencies in that structure
• interrelationships among federal, state, and local criminal justice agencies.

Process/Skill Questions:

• Why are the responsibilities of the federal government divided?
• What are the differences between a police department and a sheriff’s office?
• Why is it important for the agencies in the three branches of government to extend full cooperation to one another whenever possible?
• What are criminal justice career opportunities on the federal, the state, and the local levels?