What is the primary function of the National Security Council (NSC)?

The primary function of the National Security Council (NSC) is to advise the President on national security and foreign policy matters. Established by the National Security Act of 1947, the NSC serves as a critical component of the executive branch, designed to provide guidance and support to the President in making informed decisions related to the security of the nation. Its role includes evaluating threats, coordinating the activities of various government agencies, and integrating national security strategies with diplomacy. Members typically include the President, Vice President, Secretary of State, Secretary of Defense, and other key national security officials, allowing for a comprehensive approach to addressing complex international issues.

The other options pertain to functions that do not align with the main purpose of the NSC. Advising Congress on military matters is primarily the responsibility of congressional committees, while conducting foreign intelligence operations is managed by the intelligence community, such as the CIA. The oversight of national defense budgets is handled by congressional committees focused on appropriations and defense, not the NSC itself. Therefore, the NSC's key objective is firmly rooted in the advisory capacity concerning national security and foreign policy, which makes the correct answer evident.