1. The State Executive Branch

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

8. ? 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.