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Office of Governor: Roles, Responsibilities, and Powers

Explore the history, qualifications, election process, term limits, vacancies, removal procedures, compensation, and powers of the office of Governor. Learn about their roles as chief executive, legislative leader, commander in chief, and ceremonial leader.

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Office of Governor: Roles, Responsibilities, and Powers

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  1. Monday, April 10th • Schedule Current events for the week! • Notes today! • Complete the State Legislature Review handout! Due tomorrow.

  2. The State Executive Branch

  3. Office of Governor • Every state government has an Executive Branch led by a Governor (Chief Executive). • The governor is the earliest public office in American politics, established in Va. 1607.

  4. Office of Governor • The colonial era saw great resentment of the “royal” governors, leading to a strict limitation on their power in state constitutions. • Most states put power with the legislatures, giving new State governors little real authority. In most states, the legislatures chose the governor and for the most part they served a single-year term. • However, this led to legislatures abusing this power, so as constitutions were revised a more equal separation of powers was established.

  5. Office of Governor • The 1800’s saw a few major changes: • The power to choose the governor was given to the people • The governor was given veto power • The governor was given stronger powers of appointment and removal • Today, governors are much more powerful than in decades past, and are often well-known national personalities.

  6. Office of Governor The State Constitution identifies the qualifications for their governor. In most states (like in Florida), a governor (and Lt. Gov) must formally be… • 1. An Americancitizen • 2. At least 30 years old • 3. Reside in the state for at least 7 years. Informally, candidates must be able to attract votes and a nomination. Party identification, religion, name recognition, experience, and many other factors decide this from state to state.

  7. Office of Governor • The governor is directly electedby the voters of their state. • In all but 5 states only a plurality of votes is needed. • In most states, like in Fl., we see the Gov. and the Lt. Gov. being joint elected. • Most governors serve four-year terms and are elected during Midterm elections. Florida Governor Richard “Rick” Lynn Scott

  8. Office of Governor • Governors are elected to four-year terms in 48 states. Vermont and New-Hampshire governors serve two-year terms. • States differ more in term limit standards. 15 states have unlimited term limits for governors. Virginia prohibits a governor from succeeding themselves. • The majority of states have two-two- term limits that allow governors to toreturn after a one or two term hiatus.

  9. Office of Governor • The office of Governor at times may become vacant, whether due to a resignation, death, or accepting a higher position. • When this occurs, the majority (43) states have the position presumed by the lieutenant governor. • In the other states either the president of the senate or the secretary of state succeeds the governor.

  10. Office of Governor • The governor may be removed by impeachment in 49/50 states. Only one(Az.) in the past 70 years has occurred. • In 18 states, a recall, or petition to remove an elected official before the term is complete can occur. • Usually a significant portion of voters (25%) have to petition to recall, then a special election takes place to decide if the officeholder should be recalled.

  11. Office of Governor • The governor’s compensation depends on which state they represent. Salary can rangefrom a low of $70,000 in Maine to a high of $184,632 in Pennsylvania with an average salary of $134,792. • Other compensation • All 50 states provide at least automobile transportation for their governor, many have access to flights or a personal helicopter to travel across the state. Travel expenses are often paid for. • In 46 states they are provided with a residence, often called the governor’s mansion. • Retirement benefits/pension • Honor and prestige of the office • Many presidents were former governors: • Mckinley, T.Roosevelt, Wilson, Coolidge, F.Roosevelt, Carter, Reagan Clinton, George W. Bush.

  12. Powers and Duties of the Governor 1. Carrying out state laws 2. Proposing new laws 3. Preparing the state budget 4. Power to vetobills the state legislature has passed.

  13. Powers and Duties of the Governor • Some governors can veto (eliminate) only part of a bill. This is called a line-item veto. In Florida, this can only happen if it is a budget item. • Governors also have the power to grant a prisoner parole (an early release from prison) with certain restrictions.

  14. Powers and Duties of the Governor • Roles similar to the U.S. President: • Chief Executiveof the State • Commander in Chief of the National Guard • State Party Leader • CeremonialLeader of the State • Chief StateLegislature • In charge of State JudicialAppointments • Give a “State of the State Address”

  15. Executive Departments The governor appoints leaders of some executive departments, who advise them on important issues. (Secretary of State, Attorney General, Treasurer etc.) Florida’s cabinet officials are elected to office. They hold equal power with the Governor when deciding issues under the Cabinet’s Control: They are: Chief Financial Officer Commissioner of Agriculture Attorney General Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi

  16. Executive Powers • The governor is empowered to supervise the thousands of members in the state’s executive branch. • The state of Florida employs about 227,479 workers to execute the will of the legislature under the direction of the governor and cabinet officials. • Budget-making Power. The governor in most states prepares the annual budget to be sent to the legislature. They may make changes to the financial plan, however it maintains significant influence of the governor on these agencies. • Military Power. Every constitution sets the governor as commander in chief of the State militia – in effect, of the State’s units of the National Guard. When units are not in federal service they are commanded by the governor to aid with local emergencies (prison riots, relief, natural disasters)

  17. Legislative powers The Message Power – The governor recommends legislation much like a president. Consistent pushing of programs by a governor with appeals to the voters and legislators is very effective. Special sessions – In extraordinary situations the governor can call the legislature into session. Occasionally just the threat of a special session can convince legislators to pass a bill. The veto power – The governor of each state can veto legislation, however governors do not have the pocket veto, if they do not sign a bill and do not veto it, it will become a law.

  18. Judicial powers • Much like the President, the governor often can express power through showing mercy on those convicted of a crime • Governors have some or all of the following powers: • Pardon- Releasing a person from the consequences of a crime. • Commutation- reducing the sentence imposed by a court • Reprieve- postponing the execution of a sentence. • Parole- allows the release of a prisoner short of the complete term of punishment.

  19. Other executive positions • The Lieutenant Governor- 44 states have this position and overwhelmingly it is popularly selected. • Formal duties are often not demanding, the most important role is to fulfill a vacant governor position. In some cases they preside over the senate, much like the vice president at the Federal level. • In Fl. and many states, this position is rather fluid with few official duties.

  20. Other executive positions • The Secretary of State- this position exists in 47 states and is chosen by the voters in 39 States. Appointed by gov. in other states, including Florida. • They serve as the State’s chief clerk and record keeping. Having charge of a great variety of public documents, recording the official acts of the governor and legislature. Usually in charge of other duties such as administering the election laws.

  21. Other executive positions • The State Treasurer- managing state funds, often the chief tax collector and State paymaster. In Florida the title is Chief Financial Officer, and is chosen by the governor. In 37 states it is an elected position. • By making payments out of the treasury, the treasurer is paying the many agency payrolls of the State and pays the bills for goods and services supplied to the State.

  22. Other executive positions • The Attorney General- The State’s chief lawyer, is popularly elected in 43 States. Acting as the legal advisor to State officers and agencies. • They represent the State in court, and oversees the work of local prosecutors as they try cases on behalf of the State.

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