Final answer:
An ambassador is a high-ranking official who represents his or her government to a foreign government. In the U.S., the president and the Secretary of State play key roles in foreign policy, with the president having the ultimate authority. Ambassadors must be confirmed by the Senate and perform various diplomatic duties.
Step-by-step explanation:
A high-ranking person sent to represent his or her government to a foreign government is commonly known as an ambassador. Ambassadors are important figures in international relations and foreign policy. They perform diplomatic duties, such as representing their country’s interests, engaging in negotiations, and maintaining good relations between countries.
In the United States, the president conducts and coordinates relations with foreign nations and appoints ambassadors, who must be confirmed by the Senate. The president, alongside the Secretary of State, manages official contacts with foreign governments. The Secretary of State is analogous to the foreign minister of other nations, handling state-to-state diplomacy, even though the ultimate authority over foreign policy resides with the president.
President of the United States plays a dual role as head of state and commander-in-chief, and represents the United States when visiting other countries. As head of the Armed Services, the president has the power to make treaties, receive ambassadors, and recognize countries.
The formulation and implementation of foreign policy often involve other high-ranking officials as well, such as the secretary of defense, the U.S. trade representative, and the director of the president's Office of Management and Budget (OMB).