The United Nations Security Council is one of the six principal organs of the United Nations and holds primary responsibility for maintaining international peace and security. The Council consists of fifteen members: five permanent members—the People’s Republic of China, France, the Russian Federation, the United Kingdom, and the United States—and ten non-permanent members elected for two-year terms. Its functions include investigating international conflicts, recommending peaceful methods of dispute resolution, imposing sanctions, authorizing peacekeeping operations, and, when necessary, approving the use of force. Unlike most other United Nations bodies, the Security Council can adopt resolutions that are legally binding on all UN member states.