State department

State Department

The State Department, officially known as the United States Department of State, is a federal executive department responsible for carrying out U.S. foreign policy and international relations. Established in 1789, it is the oldest executive department of the U.S. government.

History

The State Department was created by Congress in 1789 as the Department of Foreign Affairs. The name was changed to the Department of State in September of that year. The department was initially responsible for numerous domestic functions, such as the Census and the Patent Office, which were later transferred to other departments.

Functions

The State Department advises the President on foreign policy issues, represents the United States in international affairs and in international organizations, negotiates treaties and agreements with foreign entities, and coordinates and provides support for international activities of other U.S. agencies.

Organization

The State Department is headed by the United States Secretary of State, who is nominated by the President and confirmed by the Senate. The Secretary of State serves as the President's principal advisor on foreign policy issues and is the chief representative of the United States abroad.

The department is organized into a number of bureaus and offices, each responsible for a specific geographic region or a specific aspect of foreign relations. These include the Bureau of African Affairs, the Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs, and the Bureau of Diplomatic Security, among others.

See also

• Foreign policy of the United States
• United States Secretary of State
• United States embassies

External links

• Official website