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GW Law Library
Research Guides

National Security Law Resources

The purpose of this guide is to identify resources on national security law and related interdisciplinary topics.

National Security Act of 1947

The National Security Council was established by the National Security Act of 1947 (Public Law 80-253; 61 Stat. 495):

TITLE I-COORDINATION FOR NATIONAL SECURITY
NATIONAL SECURITY COUNCIL
SEC. 101. (a) There is hereby established a council to be known
as the National Security Council (hereinafter in this section referred
to as the "Council").
The President of the United States shall preside over meetings of the
Council: Provided, That in his absence he may designate a member
of the Council to preside in his place.
Function. The function of the Council shall be to advise the President with
respect to the integration of domestic, foreign, and military policies
relating to the national security so as to enable the military services and
the other departments and agencies of the Government to cooperate
more effectively in matters involving the national security.

Codified at Title 50, United States Code

History of the National Security Council

Articles & Transcripts

Presidential Documents