Who was the first U.S. Secretary of State and what is the role of the office?

• A. George Washington; role is to defend the nation.
• B. Thomas Jefferson; role is to conduct foreign affairs and advise the President on foreign policy.
• C. James Madison; role is to command the military.
• D. Henry Kissinger; role is to manage economic policy.

Answer: (B)

The main idea here is the role of the Secretary of State as the United States’ chief diplomat and foreign-policy advisor. Thomas Jefferson became the first person to hold this office, after being appointed by President George Washington when the department was created in the early years of the republic. The office’s job is to conduct foreign affairs—engaging with other nations, negotiating treaties, and representing the United States abroad—while advising the President on foreign policy and coordinating with other parts of the government on international issues. This emphasis on diplomacy and international relations is what defines the position. In contrast, defending the nation is primarily the President and the military, and managing economic policy falls to other areas of government.