7 th Grade Civics Miss Smith *pgs

 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

 Highest ranking official at the state level  3 main roles:  Chief Executive  Chief Legislator  Political Party Leader

 Chief Executive  Power of the Budget- prepares budget for one or two years  Power to Makes 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

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

 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

 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

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

 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

 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

 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