Minister (government)
A politician heading a ministry and making policy decisions.
A minister is a politician who leads a ministry, working with other ministers to create and carry out policy decisions. In some systems, the head of government also holds the title of minister, known as the prime minister, premier, chief minister, chancellor, or another designation.
In Commonwealth realms using the Westminster system, such as the United Kingdom and Australia, ministers typically must be members of parliament or the legislature—or be appointed to one if they are not—and usually come from the political party holding a majority in the lower house. These ministers continue to represent their own constituencies while serving in government. In other jurisdictions—including Mexico, the Netherlands, the Philippines, Slovenia, and Nigeria—a cabinet-level official cannot remain a legislator and must resign if chosen for the post. (Note: Belgium is not included here, as its ministers can and often are members of parliament.)
Depending on local administrative arrangements, ministers generally head a government department and belong to the government’s ministry, cabinet, and possibly a cabinet committee. Some ministers are more senior than others, and some hold titles like assistant minister or deputy minister. In jurisdictions with many ministers, they may be divided into an inner or outer ministry or cabinet.
In some places—such as Hong Kong, Mexico, the Philippines, the United Kingdom, and the United States—equivalent cabinet-level officials are called secretaries (for example, the Home Secretary in the UK or Secretary of State in the US). Others may have titles like Attorney-General or Postmaster-General.
**Etymology**
The term “minister” also appears in diplomacy, referring to a diplomat of the second class, such as a Minister Plenipotentiary, who ranks between an Ambassador and a Minister Resident. The word comes from Middle English, via Old French *ministre*, from Latin *minister* meaning “servant, attendant,” itself derived from *minus* meaning “less.”
**Types of ministers and their names**
Various countries form ministries as cabinets. Other cabinets are typically covered in articles on the politics of each country. Lists of incumbents group ministers by country.
- Field
- Government and politics
- Known for
- Heading a government department and serving as a member of the cabinet or ministry
- Related titles
- Prime minister, secretary, attorney-general, postmaster-general
Lore & Background
Depending on administrative arrangements, ministers are usually heads of a government department and members of the government's ministry, cabinet, and perhaps a committee of cabinet. Some ministers may be more senior than others, and some may hold the title 'assistant minister' or 'deputy minister'. Some jurisdictions with a large number of ministers may designate them to be in the inner or outer ministry or cabinet. In some jurisdictions—such as Hong Kong, Mexico, the Philippines, the United Kingdom, and the United States—holders of an equivalent cabinet-level post are called secretaries (e.g., Home Secretary in the United Kingdom, Secretary of State in the United States). Some holders may have another title, such as 'Attorney-General' or 'Postmaster-General'.
Reader's Guide
The role of a minister is fundamental to the operation of executive government in many countries. Ministers head specific government departments and collectively form the cabinet or ministry, making and implementing policy decisions. The term originates from Latin meaning 'servant' or 'attendant', reflecting the concept of service to the state. The requirements for becoming a minister vary: in Westminster systems, ministers are typically drawn from the legislature and remain members of parliament, while in systems with strict separation of powers, they must resign from the legislature. Ministers may hold multiple portfolios, lead several ministries, or serve without a portfolio. The title 'minister' is also used in diplomacy for a diplomat of the second class, ranking between an Ambassador and a Minister Resident. The diversity of titles—such as secretary, attorney-general, or postmaster-general—reflects different administrative traditions. Understanding the minister's role is key to comprehending how governments function, as ministers are the primary link between the executive and legislative branches in many systems.
Did You Know?
- The term 'minister' comes from Latin 'minister' meaning 'servant, attendant', derived from 'minus' meaning 'less'.
- In some jurisdictions, a cabinet minister may be in charge of no ministry at all and is known as a 'minister without portfolio'.
- Some ministers may hold multiple portfolios and lead several ministries simultaneously.
- In jurisdictions with strict separation of powers, a cabinet-level post holder is not permitted to be a member of the legislature and must resign if chosen.
More in Government & Public Administration 1-24
Spotted an error? Know more?
Reader corrections go straight into our review queue. Suggest an edit · How this site is sourced