What is the primary function of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA)?

The primary function of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) is to investigate threats to the United States from outside of the country. This includes gathering intelligence about foreign nations, assessing potential risks, and providing insights that contribute to national security. The CIA plays a crucial role in international relations, especially in collecting and analyzing information that can help inform U.S. policy decisions and protect the country against espionage, terrorism, and other external threats.

It's important to distinguish this function from the other choices. For instance, investigating domestic threats is typically the responsibility of agencies like the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), which focuses on national security and law enforcement within the United States. Advising the President on economic matters falls under the purview of different agencies and departments, such as the Treasury Department. Lastly, while the CIA may occasionally work with local law enforcement in specific capacities, its main mission is not to support local law enforcement agencies. Instead, the primary objective remains to safeguard U.S. interests and security on a global scale.