The title of secretary of state is commonly used around the world to denote a middle or high position in government. The list of his duties and powers varies depending on the country. In the governments of some states, not one, but several secretaries of state work. In many cases, the incumbent is the head of a central agency or federal agency. In a number of countries, the secretary of state is an assistant to the minister. But in the US, this position is one of the most important in the government.
The emergence of the title in Russia
The position of Secretary of State appeared during the reign of Catherine II. This title was awarded to the personal speakers of the emperor, who had the right to address him without obtaining prior permission. They were confidants of the monarch and carried out personal royal assignments. If the emperor gave verbal instructions, the secretary of state announced them to his retinue and courtiers.
From Alexander I to Nicholas II
Since the beginning of the 19th century, this honorary title has been conferred only by decision taken directly by the monarch. Its ownersbecame civil dignitaries of high rank. In 1810, the State Council was formed in the Russian Empire. This happened as part of a program of liberal reform of power. It functioned as the country's highest legislative body.
At the advisory body was a special secretary of state. It was an official whose duties included accepting petitions and complaints addressed to the emperor. He was the most influential person in the State Council, since he determined the range of issues within the competence of this institution. The Secretary of State had at his disposal assistants appointed on the personal recommendation of the monarch. Their duty was to oversee the activities of the departments of the State Council.
Governance of Finland
Not all parts of the Russian Empire had the same status. Finland was part of it, while maintaining a certain level of local autonomy. There was a separate department to manage the territory with a special status. It was headed by a state secretary appointed by the imperial order. In most cases, the persons who served in this position were of Finnish origin. The state official who held this post transmitted his reports and reports directly to the emperor. The official residence of the State Secretary for Finnish Affairs was in St. Petersburg.
Who held this position in the Russian Empire
As a rule, this title was awarded to ministers who enjoyed exclusivethe confidence of the monarch. In accordance with a law issued in 1842, the title of secretary of state made the position of its owner higher than that of other officials of his rank. Usually this title was not received by civil servants who held a post below a ministerial one. In 1900, the total number of secretaries of state in the empire was 27 people. By decree of the king, a special badge was created for the holders of this title.
In the Russian Federation
The modern definition of this position is very different from the pre-revolutionary one. In today's Russia, they call a deputy minister secretary of state. He is responsible for coordinating legislative work. The duties of the Secretary of State also include maintaining relations with a number of state and public bodies. The position was established by government decree in 1994.
In the United States of America
The official title of the US Secretary of State, literally translated from English, sounds like "Secretary of State". He is the head of the foreign policy department and has more powers than colleagues from other countries. The Minister of Foreign Affairs occupies the third place in the hierarchy of power. His candidacy is chosen by the President and confirmed by the Senate.
In the UK
In the United Kingdom, a secretary of state is a member of the cabinet of ministers who is at the head of a government department and is responsible for its work. britishthe legislation provides for the existence of only one such post in the structure of state power. In practice, however, there are a number of secretaries of state in the United Kingdom who manage the activities of various ministries.
In the Vatican
Under the Holy See, the secretary of state is the highest administrative position that only a cardinal of the Roman Catholic Church is allowed to hold. He is responsible for the political and diplomatic activities of the Vatican. The Secretary of State of the Holy See can be seen as the prime minister of this sovereign city-state. The candidate for this post is elected directly by the pontiff. The service of the Secretary of State of the Vatican ends after the death or abdication of the Pope and the beginning of the "vacant throne" period.
