Governor and State Governor and State AdministrationAdministration

Chapter 24 Section 3

The GovernorshipThe Governorship

Qualifications◦Formal qualifications

American citizen, of at least a certain age, & a residence for a certain amount of time

◦Informal qualifications Race Sex Religion Name recognition Personality Party identification Experience Ideology Ability to use television effectively

The GovernorshipThe Governorship

Selection◦Chosen by popular vote◦Usually candidates are picked in the primaries

Term◦Four year terms nearly everywhere◦Most states limit the number of terms a governor

can serve.Succession

◦Every state’s constitution provides for a successor.◦ In 43 states it is the lieutenant governor

The GovernorshipThe Governorship

Removal◦May be removed from office by impeachment

except in Oregon.◦May be recalled by voters

A petition procedure where voters may remove an elected official.

If a certain percent of people sign the petition, then a special election is held where the official loses their position.

Compensation◦Average 100,000+

Governor’s Many RolesGovernor’s Many Roles

ExecutiveAdministratorLegislatorParty leaderOpinion leaderCeremonial figureFormal powers are within the constitution

Governor’s Many RolesGovernor’s Many Roles

Executive Powers◦Chief executive in the stat’s gov.◦Executive authority is shared by a number of “executive

officers”1.Appointment and Removal

Enforce and administer law w/ subordinates of own choosing.

2.Supervisory Powers Supervise the work of state employees

3.Budget-making Power Prepare annual budget to go to the legislature

4.Military Power Commander in chief of state militia

Governor’s Many RolesGovernor’s Many Roles

Legislative Powers1. The Message Power

Power to recommend legislation2. Special Sessions

Power to call legislature into special sessions3. The Veto Power

The power to veto legislation passed by the legislature.

Governor’s Many RolesGovernor’s Many Roles

Judicial Powers◦Powers of executive clemency – mercy that may

be shown toward a person convicted of a crime.◦Power to Pardon◦Power of Commutation – reduce the sentence of a

convicted criminal◦Power to Reprieve – post pone the execution of a

sentence◦Power to Parole – allow the release of a prisoner

short of the completion of the sentence◦Often share these powers w/ a board

Other Executive OfficersOther Executive Officers

Lieutenant Governor◦ Formal duties of the lieutenant governor are usually not very

demanding.Secretary of State

◦ Serves as the state’s chief clerk and record keeper.State Treasurer

◦ The custodian of state funds.◦ Often the state’s chief tax collector or paymaster

Attorney General◦ State’s chief lawyer◦ Acts as the legal advisor to state officers and agencies as they

perform specific functions.◦ Represents the state in court