Staatsrat

Staatsrat, translated as State Council, is a term used in several German-speaking political systems to denote a high-level executive body or cabinet-like authority. Its exact function and composition vary by country and jurisdiction, but it generally refers to an organ responsible for governing, administering, and implementing policy on a state or regional level.

In China, the Staatsrat refers to the State Council of the People's Republic of China, the central government and highest organ of state administrative authority. Established in 1949, it is led by the Premier and includes vice premiers, state councilors, and heads of ministries and commissions. The State Council formulates national policy, issues regulations, and oversees the operation of the central government and its ministries, under the constitutional framework and the leadership of the Communist Party.

In Switzerland and some cantons where German is the official language, the Staatsrat is the cantonal executive government. It functions as the canton’s cabinet, typically composed of several members who oversee different departments (for example, finance, education, public safety). Members are elected, and the presidency rotates. The Staatsrat implements laws and policies passed by the cantonal legislature and administers the canton's public services. In some cantons, the same body may be known as Regierungsrat.

Historically, the term has also been used in various German-speaking states to describe advisory or consultative councils within national or local governments. Across contexts, the Staatsrat generally denotes a senior, deliberative executive authority tasked with governance and administration at a subnational or national level.