The IC is a federation of executive branch agencies and organizations that work separately and together to conduct intelligence activities necessary for the conduct of foreign relations and the protection of the national security of the United States. These activities include:

• Collection of information needed by the President, the National Security Council, the Secretaries of State and Defense, and other Executive Branch officials for the performance of their duties and responsibilities;

• Production and dissemination of intelligence;

• Collection of information concerning, and the conduct of activities to protect against, intelligence activities directed against the US, international terrorist and international narcotics activities, and other hostile activities directed against the US by foreign powers, organizations, persons, and their agents;

• Special activities;

• Administrative and support activities within the US and abroad necessary for the performance of authorized activities; and

• Such other intelligence activities as the President may direct from time to time.

Use the links at the right to read legislation, reports, and executive orders that have defined the IC since 1947.

Links to Related Information

The National Security Act of 1947 The basic organization of the national security effort.

Executive Order 11905 The first presidential description of the IC.

The Intelligence Organization Act of 1992 The first definition of the IC by law.

Executive Order Strengthened Management of the Intelligence Community