government ministry
A high-level executive department of a national or sub-national government.
A government ministry is a high-level executive or administrative arm of a national, or sometimes sub-national (i.e. provincial or state-level), government. A ministry is generally responsible for one particular topic of governance or administration.
The ministry is an executive or administrative department with a defined area of responsibility. Its high-level departmental role distinguishes it from an individual service counter or branch office administering one part of a program.
The subject of responsibility supplies a more specific description, such as finance or defense. National ministries are included, and a comparable department of a state or province can also meet the broader ministry definition.
More specific definitions
4 sub-definitions-
defense ministry
The executive office of a government department responsible for military affairs and management of its armed forces. -
finance ministry
A central executive office of a government treasury or department of financial affairs. -
foreign ministry
A central executive office of a government ministry for foreign affairs and diplomacy. -
interior ministry
A central executive office of a government department of internal affairs, especially policing, security, and immigration.
Related definitions
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central bank
A headquarters or regional office of an institution that manages a national or shared currency. -
government services
Government offices where agencies administer or provide services, including both program offices and public service premises. -
military office
Office premises used for the administrative work of military institutions, including dedicated recruitment offices.