Definition

Noun: A government minister is a person appointed by the head of government (such as a Prime Minister or President) to lead a specific department or ministry of the state. They are typically senior members of the executive branch, responsible for creating and implementing policies within their portfolio, and are often members of the legislature.

Usage

The term is used to refer to an individual holding a senior cabinet-level position. It specifies their role within the government's structure. * The government minister held a press conference to announce the new environmental policy. * She was appointed as a government minister after the election. * The scandal led to the resignation of the government minister.

Advanced Usage

• Collective Responsibility: A principle where all government ministers are expected to publicly support all governmental decisions made in cabinet, even if they privately disagree.
  • The Prime Minister demanded unity, reminding the cabinet of the doctrine of collective responsibility for all government ministers.
• Minister without Portfolio: A government minister who does not head a specific ministry but has other duties, often of a coordinating nature.
  • He served as a government minister without portfolio, advising on cross-departmental strategy.

Variants and Related Words

• Minister: A more general term that can refer to a government minister, a diplomatic agent, or a member of the clergy.
• Cabinet Minister: A government minister who is a member of the cabinet, the inner circle of senior ministers that sets government policy.
• Secretary of State (in some governments like the UK and US): A title for certain senior government ministers.
• Portfolio: The area of responsibility assigned to a government minister (e.g., the health portfolio).

Synonyms

• Cabinet member
• Secretary (in specific contexts, e.g., Secretary of Defense)
• Department head

Related Phrases

• To be sworn in as a minister: The formal ceremony where a person officially becomes a government minister.
  • The new MPs were sworn in as government ministers yesterday.
• Ministerial office: Refers to the position, duties, and period of service of a government minister.
  • His ministerial office was marked by significant educational reform.

Noun

1. a person appointed to a high office in the government
   • Minister of Finance