The term "minister of state" refers to a government official who holds a lower rank than a full minister. The word "minister" is pronounced /ˈmɪnɪstər/ and comes from the Latin word "minister" meaning "servant". The word "state" is pronounced /steɪt/ and refers to a sovereign political entity such as a country or nation. Together, the spelling of "minister of state" is straightforward and phonetically pronounced as /ˈmɪnɪstər əv steɪt/.
A Minister of State is a position within a government administration, primarily in parliamentary systems, wherein an individual is appointed by the head of government to assist and support a senior minister in their governmental duties. The role of a Minister of State is typically one of subordinate responsibility compared to that of a full-fledged minister, but it can vary depending on the specific country and government structure.
Ministers of State are generally selected from the members of parliament or other political figures who possess relevant expertise or experience in a particular field. They are appointed to work closely with and provide support to senior ministers who oversee specific government departments or portfolios. In this capacity, Ministers of State often undertake specific tasks delegated to them by the senior ministers, such as policy development, legislative initiatives, and representation in parliament.
While Ministers of State may hold a lesser role in terms of their duties and responsibilities compared to full ministers, they still hold an important position within the government. Their presence allows for the effective management and administration of government departments, as they provide necessary assistance to senior ministers in accomplishing their wide-ranging responsibilities. Ministers of State often act as a bridge between the senior minister and the various divisions, agencies, and stakeholders associated with their specific area of responsibility.
Overall, the role of a Minister of State encompasses supporting senior ministers, handling delegated responsibilities, and facilitating efficient coordination and implementation of government policies and initiatives.