U.S. Department of State

The United States Department of State advises the President in the formulation and execution of foreign policy. As Chief Executive, the President has overall responsibility for U.S. foreign policy. The Department of State's primary objective in the conduct of foreign relations is to promote the long-range security and well-being of the United States. The Department determines and analyzes the facts relating to American overseas interests, makes recommendations on policy and future action, and carries out established policy. It also engages in continuous consultations with the American public, the Congress, other U.S. departments and agencies, as well as foreign governments. It negotiates treaties and agreements with foreign nations, represents the United States at the United Nations and in more than 50 major international organizations in which the United States participates, and at more than 800 international conferences annually.