Virginia's Executive Branch (Article V)

Vocabulary flashcards outlining the roles, terms, limits, and powers of the executive branch officials defined under Article V of the Constitution of Virginia.

Article V of the Constitution of Virginia

The constitutional article containing seventeen sections that defines the nature and powers of Virginia's executive officers, including the governor, lieutenant governor, and attorney general.

Governor's Term of Office

A four-year term commencing on the Saturday after the second Wednesday in January next succeeding election, ending in the fourth year thereafter upon the inauguration of a successor.

Governor's Term Eligibility Restriction

A constitutional limitation stating the governor is ineligible to serve the term next succeeding that for which he was elected, and ineligible for any other office during his term of service.

Legislative Responsibilities of the Governor (Section 5)

The duty to communicate the condition of the Commonwealth to the General Assembly at every regular session and recommend expedient measures.

Gubernatorial Veto Override

The action by which a bill returned with objections by the governor becomes law if approved by two-thirds of all members present in both the Senate and House of Delegates.

Commander-in-Chief of the Commonwealth

The role of the governor empowering him to embody the armed forces of the Commonwealth to repel invasion, suppress insurrection, and enforce the execution of the laws.

Power to Fill Vacancies (Section 7)

The governor's authority to fill vacancies in state offices lacking other constitutional or legal provisions, where appointees to elective offices serve until the next general election.

Appointment Power (Section 10)

The power of the governor to appoint each officer serving as the head of an administrative department or division of the executive branch, subject to General Assembly confirmation.

Lieutenant Governor

An executive officer elected at the same time and for the same term as the governor, who faces no limit on the number of terms they may serve.

President of the Senate

The official role filled by the lieutenant governor, carrying no voting power in the Senate except in the case of an equal division (a tie).

Attorney General

An executive officer elected at the same time and for the same term as the governor, who performs duties prescribed by law and has no limit on terms.