1. The State Executive Branch
7th Grade Civics
Miss Smith
*pgs

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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

11. 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?