Diplomacy And Foreign Affairs: Cabinet's Role

which cabinet is responsible for carrying out diplomacy

The President of the United States is the Chief Diplomat and is responsible for executing foreign policy. The President's Cabinet is made up of members appointed by the President and approved by Congress to advise the President and help run the government. The Secretary of State, who is part of the Cabinet, is the President's primary foreign affairs advisor and carries out the President's foreign policies through the State Department and the Foreign Service of the United States.

Characteristics Values
Role To advise the President on any subject relating to the duties of each member’s respective office
Who appoints the Cabinet The President
Who approves the Cabinet Congress
Secretary of State's role Supervises the State Department, which works with foreign countries, decides on travel to countries, and protects U.S. citizens abroad
Secretary of State's other duties Custody of the Great Seal of the United States, preparation of certain presidential proclamations, publication of treaties and international acts, and the official record of the foreign relations of the United States
Secretary of State's other duties Serves as the President's principal adviser on foreign affairs
President's role Determines U.S. foreign policy
President's role Chief Diplomat of the United States
President's role Conducts diplomacy with other nations, negotiates and signs treaties
Other departments involved in diplomacy Under Secretary for Political Affairs, Under Secretary for Management, Office of Policy, Planning, and Resources, Bureau of Public Affairs, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs

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The Secretary of State

Diplomacy is a critical function of any government, and in the US, the Secretary of State plays a pivotal role in this arena. As the US's top diplomat, the Secretary of State is responsible for conducting foreign policy and representing the nation on the world stage. This position is a crucial part of the President's Cabinet

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The President as Chief Diplomat

The President of the United States is the Chief Diplomat of the country. This role is outlined in Article II, Section 2 of the Constitution, which grants the President the power to negotiate with foreign governments and appoint ambassadors. The President determines US foreign policy and is advised by the Secretary of State, who is the President's chief foreign affairs adviser.

The Secretary of State is appointed by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate. The Secretary carries out the President's foreign policies through the State Department and the Foreign Service of the United States. The Secretary of State's duties include serving as the President's principal adviser, supervising the State Department, making decisions on travel to countries, and protecting US citizens abroad.

The President's role as Chief Diplomat involves more than simply calling world leaders and asking for help. For example, President Clinton's talking points show that he reinforced areas of common ground between the United States and its allies, sought to reconcile contentious points, and explained to world leaders the importance of committing to the cause of democracy. Clinton's work as Chief Diplomat included negotiating treaties, rallying world leaders to the cause of democracy, and representing the interests of the United States abroad.

One of President Clinton's diplomatic successes was bringing Israel and Palestine together to sign the Oslo Accords in 1993, which vastly improved the chances for peace in the region. Clinton's presence at the signing ceremony symbolised the United States' endorsement of the deal and its desire for peace. Additionally, Clinton played a significant role in peacemaking in Ireland, where he travelled to engage directly with the Irish people on the issue of peace.

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The Bureau of Legislative Affairs

The bureau consists of approximately 60-70 direct-hire U.S. employees and leads all Department communications and activities with 535 Members of Congress, their offices, and committee staffs. The bureau facilitates communication between State Department officials and Members of Congress and their staffs. It works closely with the authorizing, appropriations, and oversight committees of the House and Senate, as well as with individual members interested in State Department or foreign policy issues.

The bureau manages department testimony before House and Senate hearings, organises member and staff briefings, and facilitates Congressional travel to overseas posts for members and staff throughout the year. It also reviews proposed legislation and coordinates Statements of Administration Policy on legislation affecting the conduct of the United States.

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The Bureau of Intelligence and Research

INR's principal customer is the Secretary of State and US diplomats around the globe, but it also provides intelligence assessments and other information for the President, the National Security Council, and other senior policymakers. INR delivers dozens of intelligence assessments, products, and briefings each week to diplomats and policymakers at home and abroad. INR is also the US government's leader in foreign public opinion research and polling, conducting hundreds of surveys annually in more than 100 countries.

The assistant secretary for intelligence and research provides intelligence support for the secretary of state, other department principals, and policy bureaus. They also direct the department's program of research and analysis and represent the secretary of state in the Intelligence Community (IC). The assistant secretary liaises with the Director of National Intelligence and the IC, and ensures bureau participation in community intelligence analysis. They also maintain information management systems to ensure the efficient, timely receipt, processing, and dissemination of intelligence materials.

The principal deputy assistant secretary for intelligence and research (INR/PDAS) serves as the senior deputy and advisor to the assistant secretary. The PDAS has the authority to act on behalf of the assistant secretary in their absence and provides overall management for the bureau. The PDAS, in consultation with the assistant secretary, plans and supervises the substantive work of the bureau and represents the bureau in department and interagency groups. The PDAS also supervises six offices, as directed by the assistant secretary.

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The Secretary of Treasury

The Secretary of the Treasury is the head of the United States Department of the Treasury and the principal advisor to the President of the United States on matters of economic and fiscal policy. The Secretary of the Treasury is a member of the President's Cabinet and the National Security Council and is fifth in the presidential line of succession. The Secretary is responsible for formulating and recommending domestic and international financial, economic, and tax policy, as well as managing the public debt. They also oversee the activities of the department in carrying out its law enforcement responsibilities, serving as the financial agent for the United States government, and manufacturing coins and currency.

The Secretary of the Treasury plays a crucial role in maintaining a strong economy, fostering economic growth, and creating job opportunities. They are responsible for promoting conditions that enable prosperity at home and abroad, as well as managing the government's finances. This includes strengthening national security by addressing economic threats and protecting the financial system.

The position of Secretary of the Treasury is a Level I position in the Executive Schedule, with a salary of $250,600 as of January 2024. The officeholder is nominated by the President and, following a confirmation hearing before the Senate Committee on Finance, is confirmed by the United States Senate.

The current Secretary of the Treasury is Scott Bessent, who was sworn in on January 28, 2025. Bessent has extensive experience in the global investment management business and is a specialist in currency and fixed income. He has visited 60 countries and interacted with international leaders and central bankers.

In summary, the Secretary of the Treasury plays a vital role in shaping the economic and financial policies of the United States, both domestically and internationally. They advise the President, formulate policies, and manage the country's finances, all while working to strengthen the economy and enhance national security.

Frequently asked questions

The President of the United States is the Chief Diplomat and has the power to negotiate and sign treaties with foreign governments. The Secretary of State is the President's chief foreign affairs adviser and is in charge of carrying out the President's foreign policies.

The President's Cabinet advises the President on any subject relating to the duties of each member’s respective office. The Cabinet is also responsible for the day-to-day enforcement and administration of federal laws.

The President has the power to appoint members to the Cabinet. The Vice President is also part of the Cabinet and is ready to assume the Presidency if the need arises.

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