The American Vision: Modern Times © 2008

Chapter 7: Becoming a World Power

Web Lesson Plans

Introduction
In this chapter students have read about the 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 students will learn more about the role of the State Department and the duties of the secretary of state.

Lesson Description
The students will visit the site of the U.S. Department of State. They will visit the "Student Page" and learn about the role of the State Department and the secretary of state. After answering several questions they will apply what they have learned about the duties of the secretary of state to write a help-wanted ad for this position.

1. The learner will be able to describe the way the U.S. State Department assists with foreign policy.
2. The learner will be able to name the current secretary of state.
3. The learner will be able to discuss the duties of the secretary of state.

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2. Among several other things it leads U.S. foreign affairs and promotes U.S. objectives and interests in shaping a freer, more secure, and more prosperous world through carrying out the president's foreign policy.
3. The domestic responsibilities include the custody of the Great Seal of the United States, the preparation of certain presidential proclamations, the publication of treaties and international acts as well as the official record of the foreign relations of the United States, the custody of certain original treaties and international agreements, and serving as the channel of communication between the federal government and the states on the extradition of fugitives to or from foreign countries.
4. Students' choices may vary, but students should accurately present information gathered from the Web site.
5. Students' ads may vary, but should reflect information presented on the Web site.