Legal Dictionary of Pakistan

secretary of state.

1. (usu. cap.) The cabinet member who heads the State Department and directs foreign policy. ( The Secretary of State is fourth in line of succession to the presidency after the Vice President, the Speaker of the House, and the President pro tempore of the Senate. 2. A state government official who isresponsible for the licensing and incorporation of businesses, the administration of elections, and other formal duties. 9 The secretary of state is elected in some states and appointed in others. secret ballot. See BALLOT (3). secret diplomacy. See DIPLOMACY.