The State Executive Branch
Qualifications &Terms of Governors Each state’s executive branch is headed by the governor Chief executive of the state Qualifications to become governor are listed in each state’s constitution Qualifications, length of terms, and salaries all vary by state Most governors live in a state- owned residence Qualifications &Terms of Governors
Powers & Duties of the Governor Chief Legislator Governor meets with state legislators and outlines laws he/she thinks should be passed Responsibility of governor to put laws into force Executive Order- orders that set up methods of enforcing laws Nearly every new law requires an executive order Chief Executive One of the most important responsibilities is to draw up a state budget Determine what taxes will be required to meet the needs of the budget Budgets are approved by the state legislature Powers & Duties of the Governor
Powers & Duties of the Governor Political Party Leader Head of his/her political party in the state Members of that political party pay close attention to his/her actions and policies Other Powers State police and militia report to the governor Governor can call on National Guard in times of emergency Judicial power to pardon certain prisoners Powers & Duties of the Governor
Other State Executive Officials Lieutenant Governor Serves as presiding officer in state senates Becomes head of executive branch if governor dies, resigns, or is removed from office Secretary of State Keeps state records, carries out election laws States without a lt. governor- secretary of state may take over as governor if office is left vacant Attorney General In charge of state’s legal business concerning the law Represents the state in court when the state is involved in a lawsuit Other State Executive Officials
Other State Executive Officials State Treasurer In charge of handling all state funds State Auditor Ensures no public funds from treasury are used without authorization Regularly examines state’s financial records to make sure they’re correct Superintendent of Public Instruction Carries out policies of the state board of education that govern school districts In charge of distributing funds to school systems Other State Executive Officials
State Executive Agencies Many state agencies help the governor carry out the state’s laws Most states have the following executive departments: Agriculture Justice Labor Public safety Public works Transportation Health and human services Board of education More than 5 million state workers- most state jobs open to any qualified citizen who passes a state examination State Executive Agencies
? Who is in charge of a state’s executive department? What is the role of the governor as chief legislator? What is the role of the governor as chief executive? What is the role of the lieutenant governor? What is the role of the secretary of state? What is the role of the attorney general? What is the role of the state treasurer? What is the role of the state auditory? What is the role of the superintendent of public instruction? List some examples of executive agencies and give a brief explanation of what you think they do.