STATE DEPARTMENT, one of the 10 executive departments of the United States government. It is presided over by the Sec retary of State (q.v.), who is a member of the Cabinet, and next in line to the Vice-President for the Presidency. The department was estab lished by act 'of Congress, 27 July 1789.
Through this department communication is made between the United States government and any of the States or any foreign country. The department has charge of the great seal of the United States; of all ambassadors and con suls, and in its custody are all engrossed copies of the laws of the United States and of all treaties. The Secretary of State publishes all statutes and resolutions of Congress and all proclamations of the President of the United States. Under his charge, too, are all passports issued to American citizens visiting foreign countries; and all warrants for the extradition of criminals for delivery to foreign govern ments. It is the duty of the Secretary of State to make a report of the activities of his depart ment annually as to its conduct of the foreign relations of the United States. There are three
assistant secretaries in the department and a large force of clerks, translators, librarians and other employees. Bigelow, John, 'Breaches of Anglo-American Treaties' (New York 1917) ; Butler, C. H., 'The Treaty-making Power of the United States) (New York 1902) ; Corwin, H., 'The President's Control of Foreign Rela tions> (Princeton 1917); Foster, J. W., Century of American Diplomacy) (Boston 1900) ; Hasse, A. R., 'United States Documents Relating to Foreign Affairs) (Washington 1914) • 'History of the Department of State' (Washington 1901); Johnson, W. F., 'Ameri can Foreign Relations) (New York 1916) ; Moore, J. B., 'American Diplomacy) (New York 1905). Consult also the various reports of the secretaries of State.