What are the critical elements (such as politically motivated, or violence, or type of target) that are included in this definition on terrorism?
Why was this definition crafted with these specific elements?
How does it impact current policy from the perspective of these distinct U.S. agencies?
What are the benefits to having a narrow definition versus a broad definition?

When we look at an event such as the 2015 Paris attacks, we can all say it was terrorism. However, we have to ask ourselves why it is so difficult to define terrorism. Review the definitions of terrorism from various U.S. agencies as set forth in Martin's text as you address the following in your initial post:

What are the critical elements (such as politically motivated, or violence, or type of target) that are included in this definition on terrorism?
Why was this definition crafted with these specific elements?
How does it impact current policy from the perspective of these distinct U.S. agencies?
What are the benefits to having a narrow definition versus a broad definition?