SECURITY COUNCIL

The United Nations Security Council is one of the principal organs of the United Nations and is charged with the maintenance of international peace and security. Its powers, outlined in the United Nations Charter, include the establishment of peacekeeping operations, the establishment of international sanctions, and the authorization of military action. Its powers are exercised through United Nations Security Council resolutions. There are 15 members of the Security Council, consisting of five permanent members who hold veto power (China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States) and 10 elected non-permanent members with two-year terms. 

---