9/11 Commission

Definition

The 9/11 Commission was an independent, bipartisan commission established by the United States government to investigate the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. Its primary focus was to examine the institutional design and decision-making processes within the federal government that may have contributed to or failed to prevent the 9/11 attacks.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The 9/11 Commission was created in November 2002 and issued its final report in July 2004, providing recommendations for improving the nation's security and preventing future terrorist attacks.
2. The commission was tasked with investigating the circumstances surrounding the 9/11 attacks, including the preparedness and response of government agencies, the flow of information, and the identification of vulnerabilities in the system.
3. The 9/11 Commission found that the attacks were a result of failures in the institutional design and decision-making processes within the federal government, particularly in the areas of intelligence gathering, information sharing, and coordination among various agencies.
4. The commission's recommendations led to the creation of the Department of Homeland Security, the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, and other structural and policy changes to enhance national security.
5. The 9/11 Commission's work has had a lasting impact on the way the U.S. government approaches national security, with a greater emphasis on inter-agency collaboration, information sharing, and proactive measures to prevent future terrorist attacks.

Review Questions

• Explain the purpose and mandate of the 9/11 Commission.
  • The 9/11 Commission was an independent, bipartisan commission established by the U.S. government to investigate the circumstances surrounding the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. Its primary focus was to examine the institutional design and decision-making processes within the federal government that may have contributed to or failed to prevent the 9/11 attacks. The commission was tasked with identifying vulnerabilities in the system and providing recommendations to improve national security and prevent future terrorist attacks.
• Describe the key findings and recommendations of the 9/11 Commission.
  • The 9/11 Commission found that the attacks were a result of failures in the institutional design and decision-making processes within the federal government, particularly in the areas of intelligence gathering, information sharing, and coordination among various agencies. The commission's recommendations led to the creation of the Department of Homeland Security, the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, and other structural and policy changes to enhance national security. These changes were aimed at improving inter-agency collaboration, information sharing, and proactive measures to prevent future terrorist attacks.
• Analyze the long-term impact of the 9/11 Commission's work on the U.S. government's approach to national security.
  • The work of the 9/11 Commission has had a lasting impact on the way the U.S. government approaches national security. The commission's findings and recommendations have led to significant changes in the institutional design and decision-making processes within the federal government, with a greater emphasis on inter-agency collaboration, information sharing, and proactive measures to prevent future terrorist attacks. The creation of the Department of Homeland Security and the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, among other structural and policy changes, have transformed the way the government gathers, analyzes, and disseminates intelligence information, as well as coordinates its response to potential threats. These changes have had a profound impact on the nation's overall approach to national security, with a focus on enhancing preparedness, resilience, and the ability to anticipate and mitigate emerging threats.

Related terms

Terrorism: The unlawful use of violence and intimidation, especially against civilians, in the pursuit of political aims.

Intelligence Community: The collective of various U.S. government agencies and organizations that gather, analyze, and disseminate intelligence information.

National Security:

The protection of a nation and its citizens against threats to their well-being, whether economic, political, or military in nature.