1. The member of the President’s cabinet who heads the U.S. Department of State. • The Secretary is the first-ranking member of the cabinet and is also a member of the National Security Council. He or she 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. [Cases: United States 40. C.J.S. United States §§ 58–60.]
2. A state government official who is responsible for the licensing and incorporation of businesses, the administration of elections, and other formal duties. • The secretary of state is elected in some states and appointed in others.
