Final answer:
Police focus on civilian law enforcement within specific jurisdictions, which makes supervising them different from the military. State and local government employees work closely with the public. The police's authority is confined to legitimate law enforcement activities.
Step-by-step explanation:
The significant difference between the police and the military, making supervising the police more challenging, is that the police focus on civilian law enforcement. Unlike the military, which is designed for combat situations and operates under federal control with a focus on national security, the police are responsible for enforcing laws and maintaining public order within specific jurisdictions. Police forces operate at various levels, such as federal, state, and community, each with its own jurisdiction limits. For example, state police can enforce statewide laws and regulate traffic on highways, while local or county police are limited to their respective towns or counties.
The majority of government employees, including teachers, policemen, and motor vehicle clerks, work for local and state governments. These employees are more directly involved with the public and their local communities, confirming the notion that government is 'closer to the people'. Police officers, as part of their duties, have the authority to enforce laws, such as issuing a speeding ticket, but their power is confined to legitimate law enforcement activities and does not extend to arbitrary personal commands.