The State Executive Branch Ch. 12, Section 3

Office of the Governor The governor is the state’s chief executive. Qualifications Must be an American citizen Must be at least 30 Lived in the state for at least 5 years Most governors have previous political experience. Many have had successful careers in law or business. Voters elect the governor directly. There is no state Electoral College

Office of the Governor A person running for governor must first gain a nomination, usually by winning a party primary, then running in the general election. Most governors serve 4 year terms. They can be removed by impeachment, or by a recall election initiated by the voters. In most states, governors and lieutenant governors run as a team. The lieutenant governor presides over the senate, and moves up if the governor leaves office.

Office of the Governor As chief executive, the governor is responsible for carrying out state laws. They appoint some top officials in the state beauracracy with senate approval. They also prepare a budget and try to win its approval from the legislature Governors suggest new bills and lobby the legislature to pass them. Governors may veto bills They may also use a line-item veto, which is a veto of only a specific part of a bill

Office of the Governor The governor may grant pardons to convicted criminals, or commute (reduce) their sentence. They may also grant parole, or an early release from prison, with restrictions. The governor is also commander in chief of the state National Guard.

Executive Departments Not every governor has a cabinet, but every state does have officials in charge of executive departments who advise the governor Some are appointed, others are elected Usually a secretary of state manages elections and maintains the state’s records. An attorney general represents the state and advises government officials. A treasurer collects taxes and invests state funds An auditor reviews records Most states have a board of health that runs programs in disease prevention and health education. Departments of public works and highways maintain roads, bridges, and public buildings