Consul, << KON suhl, >> is an official appointed by the government of one country to look after its commercial and cultural interests in a city of another country. A consul differs from a diplomatic representative. A consul attends primarily to business and cultural matters, while a diplomat is interested primarily in political relations (see Ambassador).
United States consuls issue birth, death, and marriage certificates to Americans temporarily within their jurisdiction, regulate shipping, and aid U.S. citizens who are traveling abroad. For example, they assist American tourists who are arrested or robbed in a foreign country. They may also issue visas to foreigners traveling to the United States.
The consular service of any leading country is divided into three ranks: consuls-general, consuls, and commercial agents. The consuls-general have charge of all consuls in a district. The commercial agents, although they have the same duties and powers as consuls, are not officially recognized by the government. The powers and duties of consuls are often determined by treaty.
The title consul was given to the two highest magistrates of the Roman republic during ancient times. The insignia were the purple-bordered toga, a staff of ivory, and an ornamental chair. The title, without the function, was retained under the empire. During the French Republic, from 1799 to 1804, the three chief magistrates were consuls. Napoleon Bonaparte, the first consul, held all the real power.
See also Foreign Service.
