Political minister

A minister or a secretary is a politician who heads a government ministry or department (e.g. education, finance, health, state, war etc.). Senior ministers are members of the cabinet, usually led by a prime minister or president.

Related Topics:
Politician - Government - Ministry - Department - Education - Finance - Health - State - War - Cabinet - Prime minister - President

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

The term "minister" comes from a Latin word meaning a "servant" (or first servant). In some countries (such as the U.S., Hong Kong, the Philippines and the UK), such a person can instead be known as a secretary or secretary of state. Until the early 20th century, heads of legations were also called ministers, ie: "Minister for Cuba" or "Minister for France." For example, Sir Ernest Satow was Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary to Japan, 1895-1900, then the top British diplomat in Japan. His successor, Sir Claude MacDonald, was Minister and then Ambassador from 1905 when relations between Britain and Japan were upgraded.

Related Topics:
Latin - U.S. - Hong Kong - Philippines - UK - Secretary - Secretary of state - Ernest Satow - Claude MacDonald

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

In many parliamentary systems of government, especially those using the Westminster system such as the United Kingdom, Canada and Australia, ministers must be selected from the legislature. In presidential systems of government such as the United States and France, ministers are appointed by the President, not drawn from the legislature.

Related Topics:
Parliamentary systems - Westminster system - United Kingdom - Canada - Australia - Legislature - Presidential systems - United States - France - President

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~