"2 Under his plan, a powerful, centralized civilian agency would have coordinated all the intelligence services. Donovan"s plan drew heavy political debate. .

             In response to this policy dispute, President Harry S. Truman established the Central Intelligence Group in January of 1946, directing it to "coordinate existing departmental intelligence, supplementing but not supplanting their services."3.

             Twelve months later, the National Intelligence Authority and its operating component, the Central Intelligence Group, were disestablished. Under the provisions of the National Security Act of 1947, the National Security Agency and the Central Intelligence Agency were established. The 1947 Act charged the CIA with "coordinating the nation"s intelligence activities and correlating, evaluating and disseminating intelligence which affects national security."4 The Act also made the Director of Central Intelligence (DCI) responsible for protecting intelligence sources and methods. .

             The Central Intelligence Agency Act was passed in 1949 permitting the Agency to use confidential fiscal and administrative procedures, and this Act is the authority for the secrecy of the Agency"s budget. In order to protect intelligence sources and methods from disclosure, the 1949 Act exempted the CIA from having to disclose its "organization, functions, names, officials, titles, salaries, or numbers of personnel employed."5 .

             The national interests of the United States require the Intelligence Community to maintain worldwide vigilance on the foreign threats to U.S. citizens, both civilian and military, infrastructure, and allies. In addition, they also seek to inform policy makers of opportunities to advance U.S. foreign policy objectives.6 To accomplish its missions, the CIA engages in research, development, and deployment of technology for intelligence purposes.7.

             Most American citizens are not fully aware of the full extent to which the CIA has effected American society.