Chapter 22, Student Web Activities, The American Journey, Glencoe, 2005

Chapter 22: Overseas Expansion
"Foreign Policy"

Introduction
In this chapter you have read about growing U.S. interests abroad. Our foreign policy describes how we relate to other countries. Since 1789 the secretary of state and the State Department have helped U.S. presidents determine foreign policy and negotiate with foreign powers. In this activity you will take a closer look at the role of the State Department and the duties of the secretary of state.

Destination Title: U.S. Department of State

Note: Clicking on the link above will launch a new browser window.
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Directions
Start at the Department of State's home page.

Scroll down the menu on the left and find "History, Education, and Culture."
Click on Kids' Page.
Then click on and explore the links titled Learn About the State Department and Meet Colin Powell.

Use what you have learned to answer the questions below.

1. Where is the State Department located?

2. How many U.S. diplomatic and consular posts are there around the world?

3. What is the job of the Department of State?

4. List the three duties of the secretary of state that you think are the most important and explain why.

5. Now that you are familiar with the duties of a secretary of state, create a help-wanted advertisement seeking someone for this position. What qualities should the person seeking this position have? What kind of experience should he or she have? Type your ad in the space below.