Civics
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The United States Department of State directs the nation’s foreign policy and international relations from Washington, D.C. Created in 1789 as the Department of Foreign Affairs and soon renamed, it was the first federal agency established under the U.S. Constitution and initially held some domestic responsibilities, a few of which remain. It began as a tiny institution under Thomas Jefferson, then expanded unevenly through the 19th century before the Rogers Act of 1924 created a more professional modern Foreign Service. After the Second World War, it grew rapidly as the United States became a superpower and today oversees diplomacy, treaties, passports, visas, travel advisories, security, intelligence research, and worldwide diplomatic posts.
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Washington, District of Columbia · United States
