The United States Secretary of State is the top official in the U.S. Department of State (known as the State Department). John Jay, Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, James Monroe, and Colin Powell are among former Secretaries of States. The State Department is chiefly concerned with foreign affairs and relations. The Secretary of State is responsible for conducting negotiations with foreign representatives and managing the United States embassies around the world. In addition, the Secretary of State is the president’s chief advisor on foreign politics and policies, and is responsible for coordinating the affairs of the U.S. Government and its departments overseas. The Secretary of State is fourth in line to succeed the president after the Vice-President, Speaker of the House of Representatives, and President pro tempore of the Senate.

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