The Department of State is the lead U.S. agency for foreign affairs, conducting diplomacy with other governments and international organizations and representing American interests abroad. It runs U.S. embassies and consulates, negotiates treaties and agreements, issues passports and visas, and advises the President on foreign policy. It is headed by the Secretary of State, a Cabinet member who serves at the President's pleasure.
Created by Congress under the Act of July 27, 1789 (establishing the Department of Foreign Affairs, renamed Department of State by Act of Sept. 15, 1789); central organization governed by the State Department Basic Authorities Act of 1956 (22 U.S.C. 2651 et seq.), it acts within the authority that statute grants. Its actions are subject to judicial review and to congressional oversight and funding.
