Douglas Battaglia, age 12, of Pittsburgh, Pa., for his question:

WHAT IS THE MAFIA?

The Mafia is a secret Sicilian terrorist society. It was first organized in the 1600s as an organization to fight against corruption and tyranny in the Kingdom of the Two' Sicilies. Criminal elements, who robbed, murdered and waged vendettas, later gained control.

The Mafia continued to be a power in Italy and with a few Italians who lived abroad. Cells were organized of no more than five people and they were bound by an oath of fidelity. They became involved in many illegal and criminal activities.

Law enforcement authorities have had difficulty in obtaining evidence against the Mafia. The society works outside the law, but some of its activities are legal.

A recent popular two part motion picture called "The Godfather" told of the Mafia's activities.