The Executive Branch

What is the Executive Branch? Basic purpose: to enforce laws Led by President; Governor/ Lt. Governor at state level

Qualifications For both Gov. and Lt. Gov.- 30+ years old U.S. citizen for 15+ years Georgia resident 6+ years

Term of Office 4 years for both Gov. may serve a max 2 terms Lt. Gov. may serve unlimited 4 year terms

Election Elected by citizens of GA Gov. and Lt. Gov. do not need to be on same ticket (in other words, do not need to run together)

Duties of Governor Leader of Executive Branch Commander-in-chief of Ga’s military Can veto state legislation (proposed laws) Signs bills into law Can use floor leader of House to suggest laws Appoints people to lead many executive offices Addresses Ga. Legislature in State of the State speech Gives report to Legislature with suggestions on where/how state money is spent

Duties of Lieutenant Governor Serves as governor if current governor gets sick/dies As president of Senate, decides committee memberships/committee chairs

Organization of Executive Branch Exec. Branch made up of many different offices, or departments Some departments are chosen by voters, some by the Governor

Departments with Elected Commissioners Dept. of Agriculture- Helps farmers; informs public about matters related to food/animals Office of Commissioner of Insurance- Oversees programs related to health, safety, and life insurance for public Dept. of Labor- Offers various services related to jobs, taxes, wages, unemployment benefits, etc.

Dept’s with Appointed Commissioners Dept of Corrections- Runs state prisons; supervises people on probation Dept of Defense- Oversees Georgia National Guard and State Defense Force Dept of Education- Oversees Georgia public school system and how it is funded

Appointed Commissioners, cont’d Dept of Natural Resources- Runs programs to help protect Georgia’s natural resources, as well as keeping air and water clean Dept of Transportation- Oversees work and construction on roads and bridges; issues drivers licenses