Along with the Jewish Federations of North America, Hillel International, and the Anti-Defamation League, the CoP is considered to represent mainstream Jewry in the United States.

[2] Its purpose is to provide consensus on issues, generally to the Executive Branch of the United States federal government.

[4] Along with the Jewish Federations of North America, Hillel International, the Anti-Defamation League, CoP is considered to represent mainstream Jewry in the United States.

[5] The CoP's chairperson is the American Jewish community's de facto spokesperson on international affairs, especially on matters related to Israel, based on the CoP's ability to develop consensus among the largest Jewish organizations and speak on behalf of the majority of affiliated American Jews.

[6] The Conference of Presidents was formed when Jewish groups felt a need to respond to the perceived tilt of the Eisenhower administration away from Israel.

In 1954, U.S. Assistant Secretary of State Henry Byroade attempted to intimidate Israel, B'nai B'rith president Philip Klutznick invited the leaders of 16 American Jewish organizations to meet in New York City as the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations.

"[6] In December 2008, the conference presented Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper, and his government as a whole, with its inaugural "International Leadership Award" for his support for Israel.

CoP CEO William Daroff stated that The Workers Circle owed $15,000 in membership fees and had not raised any concerns prior to its announcement.