The State Executive Branch

A County and President in Miniature In many ways, a state is like a miniature country. It has its own Constitution, its own government, and its own laws. State governments have three branches—executive, legislative, and judicial—just like the country does. States even have their own “president.” This person leads the state’s executive branch. Just as the national executive branch must execute, or carry out, laws passed by the U.S. Congress, a state executive branch carries out laws passed by the state’s legislature. That’s why both national and state executive branches are mostly made up of departments and agencies that do the day-to-day work of putting laws into action.

Executive Orders An executive order is a set of instructions that acts like a law but is issued by the governor alone—without the legislature. (The President can issue executive orders, too.) An executive order is one of the most important tools a governor has, but it is very limited. A governor can only issue executive orders about certain things.  Proclaim a state of emergency. During a natural disaster, disease outbreak, or other emergency, this releases all possible resources to help.  Make rules for state government employees or the state government itself.  Form a task force to study a problem and recommend solutions.  Create a new executive office or council to carry out a necessary task.  Call the legislature into a special session.  Reduce a prisoner’s sentence or pardon a convicted person completely.

The Roles of the Governor Chief Executive: A governor oversees the executive branch and makes sure laws are enforced. The governor is commander-in-chief of the state militia, or National Guard, and can call on it in the event of a riot or disaster. The governor has the power to appoint hundreds of officials to carry out the state’s day-to-day work. The governor has the power to create a budget, which determines how much money various agencies receive. The governor sets the state’s agenda—the list of high priority issues the state needs to address. The governor makes speeches to explain to citizens and lawmakers why these issues are important. The governor attends many events and ceremonies to launch new state programs or just to show support for what people are doing.

Legislative Leader Like the President, the governor has legislative powers. The governor may propose legislation in the form of a bill, a budget, or a speech to the state legislature. The governor can also influence lawmaking by talking with legislators or by asking for public support. In these ways, the governor makes clear what programs he or she wants lawmakers to set up and fund. Another legislative power of the governor, is the power to veto. In 43 states, governors have the item veto, the power to reject particular parts, or items, of a bill.

State Executive Agencies Department of Health, Revenue, and Natural Resources are examples of executive agencies. The Department of Education—this agency’s major responsibility is to make sure that national and state education laws are carried out. One such law sets the number of school days in a year. Laws also set the subjects you have to study and how many classes you must pass to graduate. The state education agency works with local school districts to make sure that they meet these requirements. It also sets standards for teachers, and makes sure that funds are spent as the law requires.

Other Executive Officials A team of executive officials assists the governor. The lieutenant governor is the state official second in rank to the governor. The lieutenant governor performs a role similar to that of the Vice President. The secretary of state has charge of official records and documents and supervises elections. The attorney general serves as the state’s chief legal officer. The treasurer or comptroller is the chief financial officer of the state.