The Department of State and the Department of Housing and Urban Development

Department of State:

            The United States Department of State plays an important role in advancing the freedom of both the American people and the international community by trying to build a democratic world with states that are well governed and receptive to their citizens.  The Department of State’s main goal is to promote the interests of United States citizens by urging for stability in regions of interest, to create new jobs by opening foreign markets, to help provide import-export opportunities with other nations, and to hold conferences with nations to address global issues and to gain a mutual understanding. The most important duty the Department of State strives to achieve is to help promote United States democracy abroad. Another role the United States Department of State plays is to help United States businesses strive in the foreign marketplace. The current Secretary of State is Hilary Clinton who was sworn in as the 67^th Secretary of State on January 21, 2009.  Some of Clinton’s major duties have been to raise awareness for religious minorities, to protect Internet freedom, and to advance LGBT rights. In addition, she has increased security at United States embassies. She also hopes to make diplomatic relations with Iran in the future.

Housing and Urban Development:

            The current Secretary of Housing and Urban Development is Shaun Donovan who was sworn into this position on January 26, 2009 as the fifteenth secretary placed in this role. In general, this department defines its duties as creating strong, inclusive communities and having affordable housing for all. Secretary Donovan has helped stabilize the American housing market in a time of foreclosure. The Department of Housing and Urban Development has tried to protect the taxpayer against financial risk in investing in a house. During natural disasters, the secretary is charged with implementing a reasonable budget for re-building. Secretary Donovan and the department in general also hope to make more inclusive communities, especially through its Choice Neighborhoods program. In addition, thorough its housing program, the department aims to create new American jobs.