United States Department of State facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
United States Department of State

Seal of the Department of State
Flag of the Department of State
Department of State headquarters
Agency overview
Formed	July 27, 1789; 235 years ago (1789-07-27)
Preceding agency	Department of Foreign Affairs
Type	Executive department
Jurisdiction	U.S. federal government
Headquarters	Harry S Truman Building, Northwest, Washington, D.C., U.S. 38°53′39″N 77°2′54″W / 38.89417°N 77.04833°W / 38.89417; -77.04833
Employees	80,214 (total) 14,399 Foreign Service employees 12,831 Civil Service employees 50,703 local employees
Annual budget	USD 58 billion (FY 2025)
Agency executives	Marco Rubio, Secretary Christopher Landau, Deputy Secretary Vacant, Deputy Secretary for Management and Resources

The United States Department of State (DOS), also called the State Department, is a part of the U.S. federal government. It is in charge of the country's foreign policy and how the U.S. deals with other nations. Think of it like the "foreign ministry" in other countries.

Its main jobs include giving advice to the U.S. president on international matters. It also runs U.S. embassies and consulates around the world. The department helps negotiate treaties and agreements with other countries. It also protects American citizens who are living or traveling abroad. The State Department also represents the U.S. at the United Nations. Its main office is in the Harry S Truman Building in Washington, D.C.. This area is called Foggy Bottom, so sometimes people use "Foggy Bottom" to mean the State Department itself.

The State Department was created in 1789. It was the very first part of the U.S. executive branch. It is seen as one of the most important government agencies. The head of the department is the U.S. secretary of state. This person reports directly to the president and is a member of the Cabinet. The Secretary of State is like the country's chief diplomat. They are the main representative for the U.S. abroad. The current Secretary of State is Marco Rubio.

As of 2024, the State Department has 271 diplomatic offices worldwide. This is the second-highest number after China. It also manages the U.S. Foreign Service. This is a group of diplomats who work overseas. The department helps train U.S. officials and military staff in diplomacy. It also handles some parts of immigration. The State Department offers many services to Americans. These include issuing passports and visas. It also gives travel warnings and helps build business ties abroad. The department also has its own intelligence agency, the Bureau of Intelligence and Research (INR). It also has a law enforcement group, the Diplomatic Security Service (DSS).

History of the State Department

The U.S. Department of State has a long and interesting history. It started even before the current U.S. government was formed.

Early Beginnings

Before the U.S. Constitution, foreign affairs were handled by a group called the Committee of Secret Correspondence. This committee was formed in 1775. It later changed its name to the Committee of Foreign Affairs in 1777. In 1781, a permanent group called the Department of Foreign Affairs was created. It was led by a secretary of foreign affairs.

When the U.S. Constitution was written in 1787, it gave the president the job of dealing with other countries. So, on July 21, 1789, the first U.S. Congress approved a law to restart the Department of Foreign Affairs. President George Washington signed this law on July 27, 1789. This made it the first federal agency created under the new Constitution.

In September 1789, the agency's name was changed to the Department of State. It was also given some domestic duties. These included managing the United States Mint and keeping the Great Seal of the United States. It also helped with the census. Over time, most of these domestic jobs were moved to other government departments. However, the Secretary of State still keeps the Great Seal. They are also the person a president or vice president must tell if they want to resign.

In its early days, the State Department was very small. Under Secretary Thomas Jefferson, it had only six staff members. It had only two diplomatic offices in London and Paris.

Growing in the 1800s

In the 1800s, the State Department grew slowly. It managed services for U.S. citizens abroad and security. It had two main parts: the diplomatic service and the consular service. The diplomatic service worked in embassies. The consular service helped American businesses and sailors overseas.

Because there wasn't much money, people often got jobs based on their wealth or political connections. This meant that skill and knowledge were not always the main reasons for hiring. In 1833, Secretary of State Louis McLane reorganized the department into seven main offices. Later, in 1834, this was simplified to four offices.

The department continued to add new roles. For example, an office for patents was created in 1836. In 1853, the job of Assistant Secretary of State was created. This person helped oversee the different offices. By the end of the 1800s, the department had several specialized offices. These included offices for diplomacy, consular affairs, and foreign commerce.

The 1900s and Beyond

The 20th century brought big changes. In 1909, Congress gave the department more money. This led to new divisions for different regions like Latin America and Europe. During World War I, the department became very busy. It had to check everyone entering or leaving the U.S. for safety reasons.

A major reform happened with the Rogers Act of 1924. This law combined the diplomatic and consular services into the United States Foreign Service. This made it a professional system. It also created a difficult exam to ensure only highly qualified people became diplomats. This system also promoted people based on their skills.

After World War II, the U.S. became a superpower. The State Department grew a lot. Its staff increased from about 2,000 in 1940 to over 13,000 in 1960. In 1984, the department started the Rewards for Justice Program. This program offers money for information that helps catch leaders or funders of terrorist groups.

In 1997, Madeleine Albright became the first woman to be Secretary of State. She was also the first foreign-born woman in the Cabinet.

The State Department Today

In the 2000s, the department changed with the rise of digital technology. In 2007, it started a blog called Dipnote and a Twitter account. It also created an internal wiki called Diplopedia. These tools help it connect with people worldwide.

From 2009 to 2017, the department launched "21st Century Statecraft." This plan used digital tools to help achieve foreign policy goals. For example, it used text messages to help with disaster relief in Pakistan.

Colin Powell was the first African-American Secretary of State (2001-2005). His successor, Condoleezza Rice, was the second woman and second African-American to hold the job. Hillary Clinton became the third female Secretary of State in 2009.

In 2014, the State Department began expanding into the Navy Hill Complex. This new area is across the street from its main building. In 2022, the department launched the Minerals Security Partnership. This group works on securing important minerals.

What the State Department Does

Armed Department of State security agents accompany U.S. Ambassador Deane Hinton in El Salvador in the early 1980s.

The State Department is the main U.S. agency for foreign affairs. The Secretary of State is the president's top advisor on foreign policy. The department works to achieve U.S. goals and interests around the world. It does this by creating and carrying out the president's foreign policy.

The department also provides important services to U.S. citizens. It helps foreigners who want to visit or move to the United States. All these activities are paid for by the foreign affairs budget. This budget is a very small part of the total federal budget.

Here are some of the main things the State Department does:

• It protects and helps U.S. citizens living or traveling abroad.
• It helps American businesses in the global marketplace.
• It supports international activities of other U.S. agencies. This includes official visits overseas and diplomatic efforts.
• It keeps the public informed about U.S. foreign policy. It also shares public feedback with government officials.
• It provides car registration for diplomats and non-diplomatic staff.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken delivers remarks to the media

The State Department has a civilian workforce. Many employees are part of the Foreign Service. They work in diplomatic offices abroad. They represent the U.S. and report on political and economic trends. They also issue visas and help U.S. citizens.

The U.S. has diplomatic ties with about 180 countries. It also works with many international organizations. This adds up to 273 offices worldwide. In the U.S., about 5,000 employees work. They analyze reports, provide support, and communicate with the public. They also manage the budget and issue passports. The State Department works closely with other agencies. These include the Departments of Defense, Treasury, and Commerce. It also talks with Congress about foreign policy.

How the State Department is Organized

Organizational chart of the U.S. Department of State, May 2024

Leadership Structure

The most important person in the department is the Secretary of State. This person is the chief leader of the State Department. They are part of the Cabinet and advise the president of the United States directly. The Secretary organizes and oversees the entire department and its staff.

Below the Secretary are the Deputy Secretary and the Deputy Secretary for Management and Resources. These are the second and third highest-ranking officials. Below them are six Under Secretaries. Each Under Secretary manages several offices that handle specific policy areas.

Most offices are led by an Assistant Secretary of State. Some leaders have other titles, like Director or Ambassador-at-Large. Below the Assistant Secretaries are Deputy Assistant Secretaries. Officials from the Secretary down to the Assistant Secretaries are chosen by the President. Their appointments must then be approved by the Senate.

Who Works There

The State Department has many employees. Under the Obama administration, it had about 75,547 employees. This included 13,855 foreign service officers. These officers mainly work overseas. There were also 49,734 local staff members who work abroad. Plus, 10,171 civil service employees who mostly work in the U.S.

Other Important Agencies

The Administrator of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) also reports to the Secretary of State. USAID is an independent agency that provides foreign aid. The U.S. ambassador to the United Nations also reports to the Secretary of State.

Where the State Department is Located

Harry S. Truman Building (formerly Main State Building), headquarters of the U.S. Department of State since May 1947.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken delivers remarks with President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris at the State Department headquarters, February 2021

From 1790 to 1800, the State Department was in Philadelphia. This was the U.S. capital at the time. In 1800, it moved to Washington, D.C. It moved several times within the city over the years.

Since May 1947, the State Department has been in the Harry S. Truman Building. This building was first meant for the Department of Defense. It has been expanded and updated many times. In 2000, it was renamed after President Harry S. Truman. He was a big supporter of international cooperation and diplomacy. Because the building is in the Foggy Bottom area of Washington, D.C., people sometimes call the State Department "Foggy Bottom."

Programs and Initiatives

The State Department runs many programs. These help with education, cultural exchange, and security around the world.

Professional Fellows

The State Department has a Professional Exchange Fellows program. It chooses professionals from around the world. They spend time in the U.S. and work with American colleagues. This helps them learn and share ideas.

Fulbright Program

Mike Pompeo with 2018 summer interns

The Fulbright Program is a well-known program. It offers grants for international educational exchange. Students, teachers, and professionals can study or do research abroad. People from other countries can also come to the U.S. through this program. It was started in 1946 by Senator J. William Fulbright. The goal is to help people from different countries understand each other better.

The Fulbright Program gives out 8,000 grants each year. These are for graduate study, research, teaching, and more. The U.S. Congress provides money for the program. Other countries and organizations also help. It works in over 160 countries. More than 360,000 people have taken part. Many Fulbright alumni have won Nobel Prizes and Pulitzer Prizes.

National Security Language Initiative (NSLI-Y)

The NSLI-Y is a scholarship program. It helps American high school students learn important foreign languages. These include Korean, Mandarin, Russian, and Arabic. Students can study these languages abroad or online. It is a very respected program for high schoolers.

Jefferson Science Fellows Program

This program started in 2003. It brings American scientists and engineers to work with the State Department. They help shape U.S. foreign policy. The Fellows are paid and learn about how the department works.

Franklin Fellows Program

The Franklin Fellows Program began in 2006. It brings experienced professionals from businesses and non-profit groups. They advise the department and work on projects. These Fellows can also work with other government groups. The program is named after Benjamin Franklin. It aims to bring new ideas and skills to the department. Unlike the Jefferson program, this is a volunteer position.

YSEALI 5th Year Anniversary Logo

Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative (YSEALI)

The Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative (YSEALI) is a program for young leaders in Southeast Asia. President Barack Obama started it in 2013. It helps young people aged 18-35 develop leadership skills. It also encourages networking and cultural exchange.

YSEALI offers exchange programs to the U.S. It also holds workshops in Southeast Asia. It provides grants for projects. The programs focus on topics like civic engagement, sustainable development, and the environment.

Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI)

The Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) is a similar program for young leaders in Africa. President Barack Obama started it in 2010. It helps young African leaders get education and network. The Mandela Washington Fellowship brings them to study in the U.S. for six weeks. In 2014, the program added four regional leadership centers in Africa.

Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study (KL-YES)

The KL-YES program started in 2002. It helps high school students from countries with large Muslim populations study in the U.S. for a year. This helps build cultural understanding and leadership skills. The YES Abroad program allows American students to study in those countries. Both programs aim to create global connections.

Alumni TIES

Alumni TIES stands for Alumni Thematic International Exchange Seminars. These are for people who have been part of U.S. government exchange programs. Alumni can learn about important global issues. They also get training and can apply for small grants for projects in their home communities.

Diplomats in Residence

Diplomats in Residence are experienced Foreign Service Officers. They are located across the U.S. They give advice to students and professionals. They share information about careers, internships, and fellowships at the State Department.

Global Health Security Efforts

The State Department supports global health through various programs. One example is the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief. It also works on global health security. A recent effort is the Foreign Ministry Channel platform. This helps foreign ministries focus on global health security issues.

Military Support for Diplomacy

The State Department also works with military units to support its mission.

Department of State Air Wing

Logo of the "Air Wing" of The Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL)- Office of Aviation, U.S. Department of State

In 1978, an office was formed to use aircraft for anti-drug operations in other countries. This became the separate Air Wing in 1986. After the September 11 attacks, the Air Wing expanded. It now also provides security support for U.S. citizens and interests. This is mainly in places like Afghanistan and Pakistan.

Naval Support Unit: Department of State

Naval Support Unit Seabees securing a diplomatic compound in Dec. 2010

In 1964, a group of Seabees (Navy construction workers) was assigned to the State Department. This happened after listening devices were found in the U.S. Embassy in Moscow. Their job is to help secure diplomatic buildings. They install alarm systems, cameras, and vehicle barriers. They also help with security engineering. These Seabees often wear civilian clothes for diplomatic reasons.

Army Reserve Counter Terrorism Unit (ARCTU)

The Army Reserve Counter Terrorism Unit (ARCTU) is part of the Army Reserve. It is funded by military intelligence but works under the State Department's Bureau of Counterterrorism. It is also part of the Diplomatic Security's Foreign Emergency Support Team. This team responds to global crises quickly. Like the Seabees, members of this unit often wear civilian clothes.

Images for kids

• 

  Old State Department building in Washington, D.C., around 1865.