Master 40 FBI interview questions covering security clearances, investigative scenarios, and ethical judgment.
Question 37 of 40
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Krista Wenz has been on thousands of interview panels hiring EMS professionals and firefighters for public and private agencies.
Since you are interviewing for the Federal Government, you might be asked questions about how the government operates. The interviewer wants to see that you are intelligent and understand the three branches of the U.S. Federal Government. The branches of the U.S. Federal Government are the judicial branch, the executive branch, and the legislative branch. The FBI is an agency within the Justice Department, which operates under the executive branch.

Krista Wenz has been on thousands of interview panels hiring EMS professionals and firefighters for public and private agencies.
Focus your answer on the three branches of the U.S. Federal Government. Even though the interviewer did not ask which branch the FBI is in, you will score bonus points for knowing all three branches and which one the FBI falls under.

Krista Wenz has been on thousands of interview panels hiring EMS professionals and firefighters for public and private agencies.
Avoid not knowing the three branches of the U.S. Federal Government. The interviewer wants agents who are highly intelligent and understand how the government operates. It is best to memorize the three branches and the function of each one in case the interviewer asks.
The executive branch is responsible for enforcing the laws of the land. The executive branch consists of the President, advisors, and various agencies and departments, including the FBI. The judicial branch is also known as the court system and decides the constitutionality of federal laws and resolves disputes about federal laws. Lastly, the legislative branch comprises the House and Senate, also known as Congress. Among other powers, the legislative branch declares war, makes all laws, regulates interstate and foreign commerce, and controls taxing and spending policies.

Krista Wenz has been on thousands of interview panels hiring EMS professionals and firefighters for public and private agencies.
For bonus points, remember to add that the FBI falls under the executive branch after naming the three branches of the U.S. Federal Government. You should also remember to memorize the three branches and their duties if asked by the interviewer.

Krista Wenz has been on thousands of interview panels hiring EMS professionals and firefighters for public and private agencies.
"The U.S. Federal Government is composed of three branches: the legislative branch, judicial branch, and the executive branch. The FBI is an agency within the Justice Department, which operates under the executive branch, whose duties are to enforce the laws of the land."

Kevin Downey has an extensive background in business management, recruiting, branding and marketing. He's volunteered his career coaching services at job fairs, lecturing on interview techniques and crafting winning resumes and cover letters.
"The President of the United States administers the Executive Branch of our government. The President enforces the laws that the Legislative Branch (Congress) makes. The Legislative part of our government, or Congress, makes our laws. Congress is divided into 2 parts. The Senate, is composed of 100 senators; 2 from each of our states. The other is the House of Representatives. Representatives meet together to discuss ideas to make into bills and decide if these ideas bills should become laws. There are 435 Representatives. The Judicial part of our federal government includes the Supreme Court and 9 Justices. They are special judges who interpret laws according to the Constitution. These justices only hear cases that pertain to issues related to the Constitution. They are the highest court in our country. The federal judicial system also has lower courts located in each state to hear cases involving federal issues."

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Written by Krista Wenz
40 Questions & Answers • FBI

By Krista

By Krista