Which of the following best describes ministers of state?

Ministers of state are best described as a group of officials who typically hold positions below the cabinet level but above parliamentary under-secretaries. They are often responsible for overseeing significant aspects of government operations and can be assigned specific roles or departments. This description aligns with the chosen option, as ministers of state play an essential role in the government structure, serving as a bridge between junior and cabinet ministers while handling a range of duties and responsibilities.

In contrast, the other options do not accurately characterize the role of ministers of state. While some may be junior ministers, not all junior ministers have the title of minister of state, and they can have departmental responsibilities. The concept of forming the cabinet applies to senior ministers who hold more substantial, strategic roles in decision-making, thus excluding ministers of state. Moreover, while they may be involved in local government matters, their responsibilities are far broader than just local operations, which misrepresents their role as well.