United States Secretary of State
head of the United States Department of State / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The United States Secretary of State (commonly abbreviated as SecState) is the head of the United States Department of State. This department deals with foreign affairs. The Secretary is a member of the President's Cabinet. This person is the highest-ranking cabinet secretary both in line of succession and order of precedence. The President chooses the person they want to be Secretary of the State. The United States Senate must agree with this choice for the person to become the Secretary of State.
Quick Facts Style, Member of ...
United States Secretary of State | |
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United States Department of State | |
Style | Mr./Madam Secretary (informal) The Honorable[1] (formal) His/Her Excellency[2] (diplomatic) |
Member of | Cabinet National Security Council |
Reports to | President of the United States |
Seat | Washington, D.C. |
Appointer | President of the United States with Senate advice and consent |
Constituting instrument | 22 U.S.C. § 2651 |
Precursor | Secretary of Foreign Affairs |
Formation | July 27, 1789; 234 years ago (1789-07-27) |
First holder | Thomas Jefferson |
Succession | Fourth[3] |
Deputy | Deputy Secretary of State |
Salary | Executive Schedule, Level I[4] |
Website | www.state.gov |
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The position of Secretary of State was created on April 6, 1789. Thomas Jefferson was the first Secretary. The Presidential order of succession lists the Secretary of State as the 4th person in line if something happens to the President.