13.3-State and Local Governments Lesson 3 The Governor and State Administration

State and Local Governments Lesson 3 The Governor and State Administration Learning Objectives Describe the main features of the office of governor. Summarize a governor’s roles, powers, duties, and the limitations of the office. List and describe the other executive offices at the State level.

State and Local Governments Lesson 3 The Governor and State Administration Key Terms recall item veto clemency pardon commutation reprieve parole

The Governorship The governor is the principal executive officer in each of the 50 States. He or she is always a central figure in State politics and is often a well-known national personality as well. Governors today occupy an office that is the direct descendant of the earliest public office in American politics, the colonial governorship, first established in Virginia in 1607.

The Governorship Qualifications Selection Term Succession Removal Compensation

The Governorship As acting royal governor of Virginia, Alexander Spotswood’s efforts to increase executive power often led to conflicts with the legislature. This may have led to his removal from office in 1722.

The Governor's Powers Much like the President, a governor plays a number of different roles. He or she is, simultaneously, an executive, an administrator, a legislator, a party leader, an opinion leader, and a ceremonial figure. What the office amounts to depends, in no small part, on how well the governor plays each—and all—of these roles. And that must depend, in turn, on his or her personality, political muscle, and overall abilities.

The Governor's Powers Executive Appointment and Removal Administering the Executive Branch The Budget Military Powers Legislative The Message Power Special Sessions The Veto Power Judicial Miscellaneous Duties

The Governor's Powers Susana Martinez, New Mexico’s first female governor and the first Hispanic female elected governor in the United States, promotes fire prevention in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

The Governor's Powers The governor's power to call special sessions can be a persuasive tool in getting policies enacted into law. Analyze Charts What are the most common issues addressed in special sessions?

Other Executive Officers In nearly every State, the governor must share control of the administration with a number of other executive officers. Most of those other officials are, like the governor, chosen by voters. The following four positions are found in most, but not all, State governments today.

Other Executive Officers Many jobs filled by presidential appointment in the Federal Government are decided by elections at the State level. Analyze Charts How does the election of executive officers empower voters?

Other Executive Officers Attorney General Kamala Harris speaks at a press conference about a case involving a homeless family that she worked with when she was the district attorney in San Francisco in 2014.

Quiz: The Governorship Which of the following correctly reflects how a governor is chosen in most States? A. After two candidates are selected in a primary, a convention selects the winner for a term of two years. B. The governor is chosen by popular vote for a term of four years. C. The governor is selected from a convention and serves for two years. D. The voters select two candidates who are then selected by majority vote in the State legislature, for a term of four years.

Quiz: The Governorship Which of the following correctly reflects how a governor is chosen in most States? A. After two candidates are selected in a primary, a convention selects the winner for a term of two years. B. The governor is chosen by popular vote for a term of four years. C. The governor is selected from a convention and serves for two years. D. The voters select two candidates who are then selected by majority vote in the State legislature, for a term of four years.

Quiz: The Governor's Powers Which of the following correctly describes how the executive powers in the State government are divided? The executive powers A. are divided among the governor, attorney general, and other executive officers. B. are divided equally between the legislature and the governor. C. lie completely with the governor and lieutenant governor. D. lie completely with the governor's appointees.

Quiz: The Governor's Powers Which of the following correctly describes how the executive powers in the State government are divided? The executive powers A. are divided among the governor, attorney general, and other executive officers. B. are divided equally between the legislature and the governor. C. lie completely with the governor and lieutenant governor. D. lie completely with the governor's appointees.

Quiz: Other Executive Officers Which of the governor's executive officers has the greatest influence over State-wide elections? A. attorney general B. lieutenant governor C. secretary of state D. treasurer

Quiz: Other Executive Officers Which of the governor's executive officers has the greatest influence over State-wide elections? A. attorney general B. lieutenant governor C. secretary of state D. treasurer