Final answer:
Pursuant to Executive Order 12656, the Department of State is responsible for the protection and evacuation of American citizens abroad and for safeguarding their property.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Department of State is responsible for the protection and evacuation of American citizens abroad as per Executive Order 12656, overseen by the Secretary of State. This responsibility is mandated by the executive branch, led by the president, who works with various departments including the State Department, the Defense Department, and the Department of Homeland Security, among others. The Secretary of State, as the nation’s chief diplomat, heads the Department of State and is tasked with overseeing the Foreign Service, thereby playing a pivotal role in ensuring the safety and security of Americans overseas.