2. State Executive Branch

3. Organization Governor Lieutenant Governor Council of State
Cabinet departments

4. Governor
Governor: Leader of executive branch
4 year terms
Unlimited number of terms, but can only have 2 consecutive
Ex: 1976 & 1980; then 1992 & 1996
ASK: What article of the NC Constitution gives and defines powers to the state executive branch?
ASK: What does consecutive mean?
Ex: Jim Hunt (R ) elected 1976 & 1980… then again in 1992 & Two consecutive terms each time.
ASK: Who is our current governor?
Pat McCrory, (R), elected 2012 (from Charlotte)

5. Qualifications 30 years old US citizen for 5 years
NC resident for 2 years preceding election
In California & Ohio, only have to be 18 to run for governor

6. Governor’s Powers Chief Executive Budget Other powers Pardon prisoners
Make appointments
Coordinates work of state agencies
Chief Legislator
Propose legislation
Political Party Leader
Other powers
Pardon prisoners
Command state police, National Guard
Represent NC in relations with other states
In 2008, Gov of NC made $135,854/ year
Governor submits budget to legislature; sets priorities, offers solutions to problems
Appointments generally require confirmation by the state Senate
Proposing legislation: governor usually appears before state legislature at one of its early meetings & outlines laws he/she thinks should be passed. Frequently talks to leaders of legislature
Governor appoints key state officials, coordinates the work of most state agencies, administers state budget, proposed budget & other legislation
Grant clemency / reduce prison sentence

7. Lieutenant Governor Second highest leader
Same term limits & qualifications
Takes over if Governor unable
Serves as President of Senate
Serves on various boards
ASK: What are the term limits & qualifications for Governor that we can now apply also to Lieutenant Gov?
Powers: President of Senate, serves on various boards
Runs on separate ticket as Governor (voted on separately)
He is elected by voters
Sometimes they work closely, sometimes they don’t
Photo: Current Lieutenant Gov, Dan Forest (r )

8. Council of State Elected by voters 4-year terms
8 positions in addition to Gov & Lt. Gov
Ten members of the executive branch are popularly elected: This includes the Governor, the Lieutenant Governor, plus the 8 other members of the council of state.
The remaining department heads are appointed by the governor and form the Cabinet (this includes: administration, corrections, revenue, transportation, dept of public safety, commerce, etc.)
Council of State meets with Gov periodically for coordination and to vote on decisions (like sale of state property, borrowing money. Council must approve changes to capital punishment procedures)
From an era of divided executive power
Powers: implements state policies

9. Commissioner of Agriculture Commissioner of Insurance
Secretary of State
Attorney General
Commissioner of Agriculture
Commissioner of Insurance
Elaine Marshall (D)
Steve Troxler (R)
Wayne Goodwin (R)
Secretary of State: Elaine F. Marshall; keeps state records & carries out election laws
Attorney General: Roy Cooper; in charge of state’s legal business, provides officials with advice on meaning of laws, represents state in court, may assist local officials in prosecution
Commissioner of Agriculture: Steven W. Troxler; head of Dept of Agriculture/Consumer Services, chairman of state board of Agriculture
Commissioner of Insurance: Wayne Goodwin; regulates insurance industry, licenses insurance professionals, educates consumers about insurance, handles consumer complaints, oversees state fire marshal

10. Superintendent of Public Instruction
Commissioner of Labor
State Auditor
State Treasurer
Superintendent of Public Instruction
Cherie Berry (R)
Beth Wood(D)
Janet Cowell (D)
June St. Clair Atkinson (D)
Secretary of Labor: Cherie K. Berry; promotes health, safety, well-being of working people
State Auditor: Beth A. Wood; ensures no public funds from state treasury are used without authorization, regularly examines state financial records to make sure they’re correct (aka comptroller)
State Treasurer: Janet Cowell; in charge of state funds, supervises taxes, pays state bills
Superintendent of Public Instruction: June St. Clair Atkinson; carries out policies of state Board of Ed (makes laws to regulate local school districts), distributes state funds to local school systems