Governors in State Politics

Flashcards about roles and powers of governors.

Formal Powers (of a Governor)

Powers granted by the state constitution or state statutes.

Informal Powers (of a Governor)

Powers stemming from personal strengths.

Chief Administrator (Role of Governor)

Coordinates state bureaucracy, supervises major state programs, oversees preparation of state budget, resolves conflicts within the administration, and is responsible for the financial structure of the state.

Chief Legislator (Role of Governor)

Initiates major statewide legislative programs, serves as the 'initiator' of public policy decisions by sending bills to the legislature, maintains relationships with legislators as well as lobbyists.

Message Power (Governor)

A tool that Governors can use as a Chief Legislator.

Veto (Governor)

A tool that Governors can use as a Chief Legislator.

Special Sessions (Legislature)

Sessions that Governors can call as a Chief Legislator.

Impeachment

A political, not legal, process typically initiated in the lower house and tried in the upper house, requiring a two-thirds vote to convict.

Recall

A process allowed in 19 states where voters can remove a governor from office, such as the 2003 recall of California Governor Gray Davis.

Lieutenant Governor

Performs duties comparable to those the vice president of the U.S. does for the president (most powerful in Texas).

Attorney General

In most states, has more real powers and responsibilities than the lieutenant governor.

Secretary of State

Chief custodians of state records in 35 states.