Chapter 12.3 The State Executive Branch

Office of Governor The governor is a state’s chief executive. In most states, the governor must be an American citizen, at least 30, and a resident of the state for at least 5 years. The governor is a state’s chief executive. In most states, the governor must be an American citizen, at least 30, and a resident of the state for at least 5 years. Most governors have previous political experience. Many have had successful careers in law or business. Most governors have previous political experience. Many have had successful careers in law or business. Voters elect their governor directly. There is no state Electoral College. Voters elect their governor directly. There is no state Electoral College.

continued A person running for governor must gain a nomination, usually by winning a party primary. Then the nominee runs in the general election. A person running for governor must gain a nomination, usually by winning a party primary. Then the nominee runs in the general election. Most governors serve four-year terms. They can be removed from office by impeachment or, in several states, by a recall election initiated by voters. Most governors serve four-year terms. They can be removed from office by impeachment or, in several states, by a recall election initiated by voters.

continued In most states, governors and lieutenant governors run as a team. The lieutenant governor presides over the senate and moves up if the governor leaves office. In most states, governors and lieutenant governors run as a team. The lieutenant governor presides over the senate and moves up if the governor leaves office. As chief executive, the governor is responsible for carrying out state laws. Governors appoint some top officials in the state bureaucracy, usually with senate approval. They usually prepare a budget and try to win its approval from the legislature. As chief executive, the governor is responsible for carrying out state laws. Governors appoint some top officials in the state bureaucracy, usually with senate approval. They usually prepare a budget and try to win its approval from the legislature. Governors suggest new bills and lobby the legislature to pass them. Governors suggest new bills and lobby the legislature to pass them.

continued Governors may veto bills. While the president of the U.S. may veto an entire bill only, governors may choose to veto only a specific part of a bill. This is the line-item veto. The legislature may override a veto with a 2/3 rd vote. Governors may veto bills. While the president of the U.S. may veto an entire bill only, governors may choose to veto only a specific part of a bill. This is the line-item veto. The legislature may override a veto with a 2/3 rd vote. Governors may grant pardons to convicted criminals or commute (reduce) their sentences. Governors may also grant parole, an early release from prison, with restrictions. Governors may grant pardons to convicted criminals or commute (reduce) their sentences. Governors may also grant parole, an early release from prison, with restrictions.

continued The governor is commander in chief of the state National Guard. Governors are the leaders of their political parties and serve as ceremonial leaders as well. The governor is commander in chief of the state National Guard. Governors are the leaders of their political parties and serve as ceremonial leaders as well. No longer are governors always white males. Women, Hispanic Americans, Asian Americans and African Americans have served as governors. No longer are governors always white males. Women, Hispanic Americans, Asian Americans and African Americans have served as governors.

Executive Departments Not every governor has a cabinet, but every state has officials in charge of executive departments who advise the governor. Some are appointed and others are elected. Not every governor has a cabinet, but every state has officials in charge of executive departments who advise the governor. Some are appointed and others are elected. Usually a secretary of state manages elections and maintains the state’s records. An attorney general represents the state and advises gov’t officials. A treasurer collects taxes and invests state funds. An auditor reviews the records. Usually a secretary of state manages elections and maintains the state’s records. An attorney general represents the state and advises gov’t officials. A treasurer collects taxes and invests state funds. An auditor reviews the records.

continued Most states have a board of health that runs programs in disease prevention and health education. Most have departments of public works and highways that maintain roads, bridges and public buildings. Most have a state welfare board. Most states have a board of health that runs programs in disease prevention and health education. Most have departments of public works and highways that maintain roads, bridges and public buildings. Most have a state welfare board.