U.S. Department of StateGovernment

The U.S. Department of State is an executive department of the United States federal government responsible for leading America's foreign policy and international relations. Its mandate includes advising the President on foreign affairs, negotiating international treaties, and representing the nation overseas through diplomatic missions. Established in 1789, it was the first federal executive agency created under the U.S. Constitution, initially called the Department of Foreign Affairs with Thomas Jefferson serving as its first secretary.