A more thorough explanation:

The Department of State (DOS) is a part of the United States government that handles foreign diplomatic affairs. It was created in 1789 and is a cabinet-level federal executive body. The DOS advises the President of the United States on foreign policy issues, carries out diplomatic missions, and negotiates treaties and agreements with foreign entities. The Department represents the United States through more than 270 diplomatic locations around the world, including embassies, consulates, and missions to international organizations.

The Secretary of State is the head of the department and serves as the nation's chief diplomat and representative to foreign nations. The Department's mission is to lead America's foreign policy through diplomacy, advocacy, and assistance by advancing the interests of the American people, their safety, and economic prosperity. The Department works closely with Congress and other departments such as the Department of Defense, Department of Treasury, and Department of Commerce to achieve this mission.

An example of an essential service administered by the Department is immigration services for U.S. citizens and foreign nationals. The DOS also provides travel advisories and warnings to U.S. citizens traveling abroad, helps Americans who are victims of crime overseas, and assists U.S. businesses in expanding their markets overseas.

Many states have their own departments of state, but they are separate from the federal Department of State.

For example, the DOS provides assistance to U.S. citizens who are traveling or living abroad. If an American citizen is the victim of a crime while overseas, the DOS can help them get in touch with local authorities and provide support. This illustrates how the DOS works to protect the interests and safety of American citizens abroad.