United States Secretary of State facts for kids
Quick facts for kids United States Secretary of State |
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Flag of the secretary of state
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Seal of the secretary of state
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| United States Department of State | |
| Style | Mr. Secretary (informal) The Honorable (formal) His Excellency (diplomatic) |
| Abbreviation | SecState |
| Member of | Cabinet of the United States United States National Security Council |
| Reports to | President of the United States |
| Seat | Harry S Truman Building Washington, D.C. |
| Appointer | The president
with Senate advice and consent
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| Term length | No fixed term |
| Constituting instrument | 22 U.S.C. § 2651 |
| Precursor | Secretary of Foreign Affairs |
| Formation | July 27, 1789 |
| First holder | Thomas Jefferson |
| Succession | Fourth |
| Deputy | United States Deputy Secretary of State |
| Salary | Executive Schedule, Level I |
The United States secretary of state (often called SecState) is a very important person in the U.S. government. This person leads the U.S. Department of State, which is like the country's main office for dealing with other nations.
The secretary of state is the President's top helper for everything about foreign countries. They make sure the President's plans for working with other nations are carried out. This includes working with the Foreign Service, which is made up of diplomats who represent the U.S. around the world. The secretary of state is the second-highest-ranking member of the President's Cabinet. The Cabinet is a group of the President's closest advisors. The secretary of state is also fourth in line to become President if something happens to the President and Vice President.
This job was created in 1789. Thomas Jefferson was the very first secretary of state. The secretary of state acts like a foreign minister or secretary of foreign affairs in other countries. They are the main person who represents the United States to other nations. The President chooses who will be the secretary of state. Then, the Senate must approve the choice after a special meeting called a confirmation hearing. The secretary of state, along with the secretaries of the Treasury and Defense, and the attorney general, are seen as the most important Cabinet members. This is because their departments are so vital to the country.
Contents
History of the Secretary of State
The idea for the secretary of state came from the first U.S. government under the Articles of Confederation. In 1781, the government created the Department of Foreign Affairs. It also made the job of secretary of foreign affairs.
After the Constitution of the United States was approved, the first U.S. Congress started the department again. They changed its name to the Department of State. They also created the job of secretary of state to lead it.
What the Secretary of State Does
The main jobs of the secretary of state are to manage the U.S. foreign service and immigration policy. They also run the Department of State. The secretary advises the President on many foreign matters. This includes choosing and removing U.S. diplomats and ambassadors.
The secretary of state can also talk with other countries to make or end treaties. Treaties are official agreements between nations. They also take part in international meetings and groups as a representative of the United States. The secretary tells Congress and the public about U.S. foreign policy. They also help U.S. citizens who live or travel abroad. This includes giving them passports and making sure they are safe.
The secretary of state also has some jobs within the United States. Many of these older jobs were given to other government groups over time. But some still remain. For example, the secretary keeps and uses the Great Seal. They also handle protocol duties for the White House. This means they help with official ceremonies and visits. The secretary also works with U.S. states to return people who have fled to other countries.
The secretary of state is the third-highest official in the U.S. government's executive branch. This is after the President and Vice President. They are fourth in the line to become President. This means they would take over if the President, Vice President, and Speaker of the House could not serve.
Six past secretaries of state have become President. These include Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, James Monroe, John Quincy Adams, Martin Van Buren, and James Buchanan. Many others have tried to become President but did not win.
Timeline of Secretaries of State
This timeline shows the people who have been secretaries of state. It also shows their political party when they started the job.
See also
In Spanish: Secretario de Estado de los Estados Unidos para niños
- List of international trips made by secretaries of state of the United States
