Under the UN Charter, the Security Council has the responsibility of maintaining international peace. It is the most powerful body of the United Nations; while other committees can only make recommendations for action, the Security Council makes decisions that its member bodies must implement. The Security Council meets throughout the year to address the most serious security issues facing the UN and the world. 

 The Council is made up of 15 nations: five are permanent members and the remaining 10 seats rotate every two years among the nations in the General Assembly. The five permanent members are China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom and the United States. Each of these nations has "veto power," which means that whenever any one of these countries votes "no" on a resolution, that resolution automatically fails. In order for a resolution to pass, it must receive a unanimous vote. 

 The Security Council may deal with international conflict in many ways.  When fighting breaks out, the Council's first goal is usually to call for a ceasefire, or an end to violence. It may also send peacekeeping forces to protect citizens and ensure that any UN decisions are carried out. The Security Council can use more forceful measures to achieve its goals as well, such as issuing economic sanctions, measures that prevent a country from receiving money or trade. In the most serious circumstances, the Security Council can order the use of military force.