What is the difference between a Embassy and a Consulate

Question

In my city there a Mexican Consulate. What is it

Answer 1

An embassy is usually based in the capital of another country and is involved with national representation of the government of that country. An ambassador resides in the embassy and is the sole representative in the capital.  A consulate is basically a branch of the embassy and is more involved locally in the cities a foreign country has set up the offices there.

A consul-general is the sole representative in the city. Consulates usually relieve the embassy of more common duties (such as visas, passports) in their respective areas and are the eyes and ears for the embassy in their cities.  

Answer 2

Embassy is a bigger office of a country in another country and it is headed by an Ambassador.  A small representation is a consulate and it is spearheaded by a consul.