In the federal government, the secretary of state is primarily a diplomat and often interacts with other countries. How is a secretary of state’s job different at the state level? At the state level, a secretary of state is an attorney and argues in court. At the state level, a secretary of sate resolves disputes with companies. At the state level, a secretary of state interacts with the federal government. At the state level, a secretary of state oversees the election process.