The terms terrorism and domestic terrorism are very similar concepts. There are, however, slight differences in each. Entities that are part of the government have slightly different ways of explaining what they believe to be the correct definition of terrorism and domestic terrorism. In this article the author will offer definitions of the two terms and state which one I most agree with. The author will also explain how to better differentiate the two terms. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) defines terrorism based on three characteristics. For an act to be considered terrorism, it must be (1) a violent act or an act dangerous to human life that violates laws; (2) appear to be intended to (i) intimidate or coerce the civilian population; (ii) influence the policies of a government through coercion or intimidation; or (iii) influence the conduct of a government through mass destruction, kidnapping, or assassination. The third characteristic that must be present is (3) that the act must occur primarily outside the territorial jurisdiction of the United States, or cross national boundaries in terms of the means by which it is committed, of persons who appear intended to intimidate or coercion, or the place where their perpetrators operate or seek asylum (Definitions, 2013). In slightly different words, the American Heritage Cultural Dictionary defines terrorism as “Acts of violence committed by groups who consider themselves victims of some notable historical wrong. " Many times these groups have no formal connection to government affairs, but have financial and moral support from sympathetic governments. These groups typically organize attacks against completely unexpected civilian targets... middle of paper... sons of national counterterrorism. (n.d.). The Heritage Foundation. Retrieved May 23, 2014, from http://www.heritage.org/research/reports/2013/07/60-terrorist-plots-since-911-continued. -lessons-in-domestic-counterterrorismDefinitions of Terrorism in the United States Code. (2013, August 20). Retrieved May 23, 2014, from http://www.fbi.gov/about-us/investigate/terrorism/terrorism. -definitionReports and Publications. (May 21, 2010). FBI. Retrieved May 25, 2014, from http://www.fbi.gov/stats-services/publications/terrorism-2002-2005Terrorism. Retrieved May 23, 2014, from http://www.nij.gov/topics/crime/terrorism/terrorism. (nd). Retrieved May 23, 2014, from http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/. domestic terrorism. (nd).Dictionary.com. Retrieved May 25, 2014, from http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/do