Foreign policy & defense
Department of State
The lead agency for foreign policy: diplomacy, embassies and consulates, visas, treaty negotiation, and assistance to Americans abroad.
In full
The oldest executive department, headed by the Secretary of State, who is fourth in the presidential line of succession. It staffs missions in nearly every country through the Foreign Service, issues passports and visas, and negotiates the treaties and agreements the United States enters.
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A plain-language explanation for civic education, not legal advice. When in doubt, the official source named above controls.