“`National Essential Functions,’ or ‘NEFs,’ means that subset of Government Functions that are necessary to lead and sustain the Nation during a catastrophic emergency and that, therefore, must be supported through COOP and COG capabilities. The following NEFs are the foundation for all continuity programs and capabilities and represent the overarching responsibilities of the Federal Government to lead and sustain the Nation during a crisis, and therefore sustaining the following NEFs shall be the primary focus of the Federal Government leadership during and in the aftermath of an emergency that adversely affects the performance of Government Functions: (1) Ensuring the continued functioning of our form of government under the Constitution, including the functioning of the three separate branches of government; (2) Providing leadership visible to the Nation and the world and maintaining the trust and confidence of the American people; (3) Defending the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic, and preventing or interdicting attacks against the United States or its people, property, or interests; (4) Maintaining and fostering effective relationships with foreign nations; (e) Protecting against threats to the homeland and bringing to justice perpetrators of crimes or attacks against the United States or its people, property, or interests; (5) Providing rapid and effective response to and recovery from the domestic consequences of an attack or other incident; (6) Protecting and stabilizing the Nation's economy and ensuring public confidence in its financial systems; and (7) Providing for critical Federal Government services that address the national health, safety, and welfare needs of the United States”. (White House, HSPD-20, May 9, 2007)