THE STATE EXECUTIVE BRANCH 7th Grade CivicsMiss Smith*pgs. 213-216

QUALIFICATIONS AND TERMS OF GOVERNORSGovernor- chief executive in each state Qualifications:

U.S. citizenLived in the state for a certain number of years (7 in FL)

Be at least 30yrs old (18 in CA and OH)4 year termsOne or two term limit

POWERS AND DUTIES OF GOVERNORSHighest ranking official at the state level

3 main roles:Chief ExecutiveChief LegislatorPolitical Party Leader

POWERS AND DUTIES OF GOVERNORSChief Executive

Power of the Budget- prepares budget for one or two years

Power to Makes Appointments- can appoint state officials (must be approved by state Senate)

Power to Supervise State EmployeesPatronage- system in which government jobs are given to people recommended by political leaders

POWERS AND DUTIES OF GOVERNORSChief LegislatorState of the State Address- outlines laws he or she thinks should be passedCan veto state legislation

POWERS AND DUTIES OF GOVERNORSPolitical Party Leader

Other members of the party often model their opinions and policies after the governor’s

The governor can help them during their campaigns for re-election

Other Powers Appoints directors of state agencies Head of state police force reports to him Can call the National Guard to get help with relief efforts during floods or hurricanes

Pardon certain prisoners

OTHER STATE EXECUTIVE OFFICIALSLieutenant governorLieutenant governor- presiding officer of the state senate and successor of the governor

It is possible for the Lt. governor and governor to belong to different political parties in some states

OTHER STATE EXECUTIVE OFFICIALSSecretary of StateKeeps state recordsCarries out election lawsTakes over as governor in the job becomes vacant and there is no Lt. governor

OTHER STATE EXECUTIVE OFFICIALSAttorney GeneralIn charge of the state’s legal business

Provides advice about the meanings of laws

Represents the state in court when involved in a lawsuit

Prosecutes criminals

OTHER STATE EXECUTIVE OFFICIALSState Treasurer

Handles all state fundsSupervises tax collectionPays state bills

State Auditor/ComptrollerEnsures no state funds are used without authorization

Examines state financial records

OTHER STATE EXECUTIVE OFFICIALSSuperintendent of Public InstructionCarries out policies of the state board of education

Governs local school districtsDistributes funds to school systemsAlso called the Superintendent of Public Schools or State Commissioner of Education