The
organizational charts (PDF) of the National Security Council from the beginning and end of the Reagan administrations illustrate the structure and changes over time. The structure of the NSC also shows how particular administrations choose to focus their resources. The branches are organized by functional, regional, and coordinating offices.
Upon ascending the presidency and throughout the administration, the president issues
presidential directives (PDF), executive orders that address national security. Each administration has a series of organizational documents that address the structure and breadth of the NSC.
Presidential
National Security Council meetings (PDF) data show how each administration chose to use the NSC and on what subjects.
Staff list (PDF) data show greater detail in to the organization of the NSC over the course of an administration.
The visibility of the Secretary of State compared with the National Security adviser shows how an administration views each role.
A graph of Sunday morning talk show appearances (PDF) is one example of a way to gauge this visibility. Another would be a comparison of the
New York Times mentions (PDF) for the Secretary of State and the National Security Advisor.
Key NSC Officials (PDF) in the administration.
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