Secretary of State

In several countries, Secretary of State is a senior government position. The role varies between countries, and in some cases there are multiple Secretaries of State in the government.

United States

In the federal government of the United States of America, the main role of the United States Secretary of State is to supervise and conduct foreign policy. He or she is head of the United States Department of State.

Related Topics:
United States of America - United States Secretary of State - Foreign policy - United States Department of State

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In the individual states of the United States, the Secretary of State is normally an administrative officer responsible for certifying elections and maintaining corporate registrations. In some states, the Secretary of State handles driver's licenses and license plates and certifies state documents and notaries public. Ordinarily this is not a particularly powerful position; however, because the Secretary of State is generally responsible for certifying elections, this position can occasionally become important. For example, the Secretary of State of Florida, Katherine Harris, played an important role in deciding the outcome of the 2000 Presidential election.

Related Topics:
Driver's license - Notaries public - Katherine Harris - 2000 Presidential election

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In many states the state secretary of state is often third in line to assume the office of governor upon death or resignation of the incumbent, after the lieutenant governor.

Related Topics:
Governor - Lieutenant governor

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