The State Executive Branch 7th Grade Civics Miss Smith *pgs. 213-216

Qualifications and Terms of Governors Governor- chief executive in each state Qualifications: U.S. citizen Lived in the state for a certain number of years (7 in FL) Be at least 30yrs old (18 in CA and OH) 4 year terms One or two term limit

Powers and Duties of Governors Highest ranking official at the state level 3 main roles: Chief Executive Chief Legislator Political Party Leader What are the three main roles of governors? Chief legislator, chief executive, political party leader

Powers and Duties of Governors Chief Executive Power of the Budget- prepares budget for one or two years Power to Make Appointments- can appoint state officials (must be approved by state Senate) Power to Supervise State Employees Patronage- system in which government jobs are given to people recommended by political leaders

Powers and Duties of Governors Chief Legislator State of the State Address- outlines laws he or she thinks should be passed Can veto state legislation

Powers and Duties of Governors Political Party Leader Other members of the party often model their opinions and policies after the governor’s The governor can help them during their campaigns for re-election Other Powers Appoints directors of state agencies Head of state police force reports to him Can call the National Guard to get help with relief efforts during floods or hurricanes Pardon certain prisoners Which of the governor’s duties do you think is most important? Which is least important? Explain. Choose from the duties of chief legislator, chief executive, political part leader, and other duties

Other State Executive Officials Lieutenant governor Lieutenant governor- presiding officer of the state senate and successor of the governor It is possible for the Lt. governor and governor to belong to different political parties in some states

Other State Executive Officials Secretary of State Keeps state records Carries out election laws Takes over as governor if the job becomes vacant and there is no Lt. governor

Other State Executive Officials Attorney General In charge of the state’s legal business Provides advice about the meanings of laws Represents the state in court when involved in a lawsuit Prosecutes criminals

Other State Executive Officials State Treasurer Handles all state funds Supervises tax collection Pays state bills State Auditor/Comptroller Ensures no state funds are used without authorization Examines state financial records How do the state treasurer and auditor work together to handle state funds? The state auditor has to make sure that any money spent by the state treasurer is authorized

Other State Executive Officials Superintendent of Public Instruction Carries out policies of the state board of education Governs local school districts Distributes funds to school systems Also called the Superintendent of Public Schools or State Commissioner of Education Name the other officials of the state executive branch. Lt. gov., secretary of state, attorney general, state treasurer, state auditor, superintendent of public instruction Do you think the governor should appoint top state officials or should the people elect them? Explain. The governor should appoint them because he/she has to work closely with them. OR the people should choose who they think is best for the job Which official do you think has the most important responsibilities, and why?