1. Review 8.2 What are the two houses called in the state legislature?
What state has a unicameral legislature?
Who is the Speaker of the House of Representatives?
Who directs the state Senate?
Who is the Senate President?
There are 5 ways to amend the Florida Constitution, what are they?
Dividing the state into districts based on equal population, is called what?

2. The State Executive Branch
Section 8.3:
The State Executive Branch

3. Office of Governor
Every state government has an Executive Branch led by a Governor (Chief Executive).

4. Office of Governor
The State Constitution identifies the qualifications for their governor.
In most states (like in Florida), a governor (and Lt. Gov) must be…
1. An American citizen
2. At least 30 years old
3. Reside in the state for at least 7 years.

5. Office of Governor
The governor is directly elected by the voters of their state.
Most governors serve four-year terms and in Florida they are elected during Midterm elections. They can only serve 2 consecutive terms – but can leave and come back.
Florida Governor
Rick Scott

6. Powers and Duties of the Governor
1. Carrying out state laws
2. Proposing new laws
3. Preparing the state budget
4. Power to veto bills the state legislature has passed.

7. Powers and Duties of the Governor
Some governors can veto (eliminate) only part of a bill. This is called a line-item veto. In Florida, this can only happen if it is a budget item.
Governors also have the power to grant a prisoner parole (an early release from prison) with certain restrictions.

8. Powers and Duties of the Governor
Roles similar to the U.S. President:
Chief Executive of the State
Commander in Chief of the National Guard
State Party Leader
Ceremonial Leader of the State
Chief State Legislator – propose bill ideas to people in his party
In charge of State Judicial Appointments
Give a “State of the State Address”

9. Executive Departments
The Lieutenant Governor of Florida has the main responsibility of replacing the Governor if the Governor is not able to serve.
The Lt. Governor must fulfill the same qualifications as the Governor.
The Lt. Governor may serve 2 consecutive terms – but may come back after being out for at least one term of 4 years.
Florida Lieutenant Governor, Carlos Lopez- Cantera

10. Executive Departments
The governor appoints leaders of some executive departments, who advise the governor on important issues. (Secretary of State, Treasurer etc.)
Florida’s cabinet officials are elected to office. They hold equal power with the Governor when deciding issues under the Cabinet’s Control: They are:
Chief Financial Officer
Commissioner of Agriculture
Attorney General
Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi