CP Civics ~ NH Executive Branch

What is the largest branch of NH government?

The NH Executive Branch, approximately 10,000 people involved in governance

What are some purposes of the Executive Branch?

Enforces laws, prosecute/punish criminals, educates public, proposes budget, upholds NH constitution

How does the branch assist the NH Legislative Branch?

make recommendations to the legislative branch such as proposing the state budget and ideas for bills

Executive Council

Governor's Council with shared powers:

1. Five elected members, two-year term

2. Same requirements to hold office as Governor

3. Each Councilor represents constituents in a specific area (district) of the state

4. Known as the “People’s Watchdog”

5. Meet every other week with the Governor to conduct business

Governor's Roles

1. Chief of State

2. Chief Diplomat

3. Chief Executive

4. Commander-in-Chief

5. Chief Legislator

6. Chief of Political Party

7. Chief Guardian of the Economy

8. Crisis Decision Maker

Who is the weakest chief executive in the country? Why?

The Office of NH Governor, it has limited powers compared to others in the country; has an executive council and is one of two states to have two year term length

Chief of State

model citizen, symbol of our state and its people

Chief Diplomat

establishes relationships with other states and nations for business and cultural exchanges

Chief Executive

enforce state laws, uphold NH Constitution, boss of all state workers, run state gov’t

Commander-in-Chief

in command of state troopers and national guard

Chief Legislator

propose bills, lobby for bills, sign or veto bills

Chief of Political Party

number one leader and campaigner for his/her political party

Chief Guardian of the Economy

proposes NH state budget, concerned with employment, taxes, business profits and overall health of NH economy

Crisis Decision Maker

respond to any emergency – natural disasters, man-made incidents, etc

Shared Powers

• Executive Council has to approve all gubernatorial pardons

• Executive Council has to approve all gubernatorial nominations for state gov’t jobs

• Executive Council has to approve all state spending contracts over $25,000

What’s the Nickname for Members of the Executive Council?

the people's watchdog

Gubernatorial Powers

powers of the Governor shared with Executive Council, includes pardons and nominations for state gov’t jobs

What do the NH State Departments and Agencies do?

• serve the needs of the people

• assist and advise the governor

• recommend policies and regulations

• help to enforce policies and regulations