AG Chapter 22 - Foreign Policy and Defense Section 3 - State and Defense Departments

Passport

A document issued by the State Department to Americans traveling abroad. It allows entrance and exit in and out of other countries and the United States.

Visa

A visa is a special document issued by the government of the country that a person wishes to enter.

What is the role of the state department?

Advises the president,Formulates and carries out policy,to keep the president informed about international issues ,to maintain diplomatic relations with foreign governments, to negotiate treaties with foreign governments,to protect the interests of Americans who are traveling or conducting business abroad

What was the first executive department?

Department of State

What two departments in the executive branch are primarily responsible for foreign policy and for national security?

The Department of State carries out foreign policy. The Department of Defense looks after the national security of the United States.

What is the third most powerful position in United States government?

The secretary of state, head of the State Department, is generally considered to be the most important member of the cabinet, ranking just below the president and vice president.

What constitutional powers do Congress and the president have over the military?

Congress controls the Department of Defense budget. The president is commander in chief.

Consulate

Consulates function primarily to promote American business interests in foreign countries and to serve and safeguard American travelers. ò

Embassy

is to make diplomatic communication between governments easier. Embassy officials keep the State Department informed about the politics and foreign policies of the host government. They also keep the host government informed about American policies.

Conscription

or compulsory military service

Why did the founders make the Department of Defense accountable to the president?

To ensure that the military would always be subordinate to the civilian leaders of the government.

What is the major role of embassies?

To help resolve disputes that arise between the host country and the United States.

Consul

Heading each consulate is a Foreign Service Officer

Who is the do the president, the National Security Council, and the secretary of defense rely on for military advise?

The Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) for military advice.

How is the State Department structured to carry out United States foreign policy?

The State Department is divided into geographic and topical bureaus, manages foreign service, and oversees embassies and consulates.