Editing Consul (section)

==Modern uses of the term==
{{Main|Consul (representative)}}
In modern terminology, a consul is a [[Consul (representative)|type of diplomat]]. The ''American Heritage Dictionary'' defines '''consul''' as "an official appointed by a government to reside in a foreign country and represent its interests there." ''[[The Devil's Dictionary]]'' defines '''Consul''' as "in American politics, a person who having failed to secure an office from the people is given one by the Administration on condition that he leave the country".

In most governments, the consul is the head of the consular section of an embassy, and is responsible for all consular services such as immigrant and non-immigrant [[visa (document)|visas]], [[passport]]s, and citizen services for expatriates living or traveling in the host country.

{{Main|Administrative consul}}
A less common modern usage is when the consul of one country takes a governing role in the host country.