Minister of State

Minister of State is a title bourne by officials in certain countries governed under the parliamentary system. A "minister of state" is usually a junior minister, who is either listed as a member of the cabinet or assigned to assist a specific cabinet minister. However in some nations a "minister of state" is a holder of a more senior position, such as a cabinet minister or even a head of government.

• Canada: A Minister of State is senior to a Secretary of State but junior to a Minister of the Crown, or normal minister. See Ministers of State in Canada.

• Republic of Ireland: A Minister of State is junior to a Minister of a Department of State or normal minister and of similar standing to a Parliamentary Secretary. See Ministers of State in the Republic of Ireland.

• Japan: Minister of State is the title bourne by all members of the Japanese Cabinet.

• Monaco: The chief of government, subordinate to the Prince of Monaco and responsible for enforcing the principality's laws. See Minister of State of Monaco.

• United Kingdom: A Minister of State is junior to a Secretary of State but senior to a Parliamentary Under Secretary of State. Ministers of State are responsible to their Secretaries of State.

• In Belgium and the Netherlands , Minister of State is a title of honour (declared by Queen Beatrix in the Netherlands). It is given in exceptional cases to politicians. A Minister of State advises the queen in certain situations, and can also be asked for advice by others on constitutional issues.