Study Notes on Chapter 8: Governors and Executives

Chapter 8: Governors and Executives

The Job of the Governor (1 of 6)

Historically, governors possessed limited power due to:
- Distrust that lingered following the American Revolution.
Changes observed towards the end of the 20th century:
- Governors were given more formal control over state matters.
- Governors’ terms were extended, providing them longer operational timelines.
- Increase in authority to appoint officials in various capacities.
- Reference: Smith, Governing States and Localities, 8e. © 2022 SAGE Publishing.

The Job of the Governor (2 of 6)

Different tactics were employed by states after the revolution:
- Power distribution among numerous individuals was common.
- State legislatures typically wielded more power than governors.
- Plural-executive systems emerged, diluting executive power.
- Reference: Smith, Governing States and Localities, 8e. © 2022 SAGE Publishing.

The Job of the Governor (3 of 6)

Chief Legislator

Governors possess significant influence over legislative work.
Their impact on which bills become laws is facilitated by:
- Veto power, allowing governors to reject bills outright.
- Ability to work around supermajority vote requirements in legislatures.
Command over state budgets, influencing fiscal policies significantly.
Reference: Smith, Governing States and Localities, 8e. © 2022 SAGE Publishing.

The Job of the Governor (4 of 6)

Head of State Agencies

Governors typically have the authority to select their own cabinet officials.
They possess the power to terminate appointees they have previously selected.
Reference: Smith, Governing States and Localities, 8e. © 2022 SAGE Publishing.

The Job of the Governor (5 of 6)

Chief Spokesperson for the State

Governors take on leadership roles during disaster situations, ensuring responsive governance.
Actively work to attract jobs and industry to their states to stimulate economic growth.
Engage in lobbying activities for federal money, facilitating state funding.
Reference: Smith, Governing States and Localities, 8e. © 2022 SAGE Publishing.

The Job of the Governor (6 of 6)

Party Chief

Serve as leading figures within their state parties, influencing party dynamics and strategies.
Many jobs within the state’s political framework may depend on actions taken by the governor.
Often choose state party chairs and play key roles in party organization and fundraising efforts for candidates.
Reference: Smith, Governing States and Localities, 8e. © 2022 SAGE Publishing.

The Powers of Governors (1 of 6)

Formal Powers

Power to appoint officials:
- Governors can appoint their own teams, which enhances their policy-setting authority.
- Such appointments are often ways to reward campaign contributors, fostering political loyalty.
Reference: Smith, Governing States and Localities, 8e. © 2022 SAGE Publishing.

The Powers of Governors (2 of 6)

Power to Prepare State Budgets

Considered the most powerful tool at a governor's disposal.
Influences negotiations with the state legislature during budget approval processes.
Ability to deny budget proposals from state agencies, enforcing fiscal discipline.
Can reallocate or shift money among different departments as necessary.
Reference: Smith, Governing States and Localities, 8e. © 2022 SAGE Publishing.

The Powers of Governors (3 of 6)

Power to Veto

It is typically difficult for the legislature to override a governor's veto.
Legislators often work in consultation with governors to craft bills that align with gubernatorial preferences.
Most governors possess the power of a line-item veto, which allows them to veto specific parts of a bill without rejecting the entire legislation.
Reference: Smith, Governing States and Localities, 8e. © 2022 SAGE Publishing.

The Powers of Governors (4 of 6)

Power to grant pardons:
- Pardons issued by governors are typically irreversible, leading to significant implications.
- Pardons can become particularly controversial when granted towards the end of a governor's term.
Power to call special sessions of the legislature:
- Some governors have the authority to set the agenda for these sessions.
- It is generally more effective for governors to work out legislative deals in advance of special sessions.
Reference: Smith, Governing States and Localities, 8e. © 2022 SAGE Publishing.

The Powers of Governors (5 of 6)

Informal Powers

Popular support:
- Governors with strong public approval are more likely to see their programs followed by legislators.
- A governor with a larger bully pulpit can effectively sway public opinion and legislative action.
Reference: Smith, Governing States and Localities, 8e. © 2022 SAGE Publishing.

The Powers of Governors (6 of 6)

Party support in the legislature:
- Having support from the governor's party in the legislature helps facilitate the passage of their agendas.
- Governors are generally more successful in pushing their agendas when their party holds a majority in the legislature.
Ability to communicate:
- Strong media exposure acts as a significant advantage for governors.
- Governors must effectively appeal to both political insiders and the public, a nuanced skill crucial for political success.
Reference: Smith, Governing States and Localities, 8e. © 2022 SAGE Publishing.

Becoming Governor (1 of 2)

Demographics of governors include:
- Gender representation.
- Racial and ethnic diversity.
- LGBTQ representation.
- Political background and experience.

Becoming Governor (2 of 2)

Factors Driving Gubernatorial Elections

Often occur during off-year elections, where less competition may exist.
Candidates often comment on national issues, allowing them to connect with broader political trends.

Keeping and Leaving Office

It is rare for governors to leave office prematurely.
There are several pathways for leaving office, which include:
- Impeachment: A formal process by which a governor may be expelled from office for misconduct.
- Recall election: An electoral process enabling voters to remove an elected official before the end of their term.
Additionally, term limits can restrict governors in their ability to serve multiple terms.

Other Executive Offices (1 of 3)

Lieutenant Governor

Traditionally held limited power in most states.
However, states are changing the extent of power for this position.
Lieutenant governor elections vary by state:
- In 25 states, they are elected alongside the governor.
- In 18 states, they are elected separately from the governor.

Other Executive Offices (2 of 3)

Attorney General

Often recognized as prominent political figures within their respective states.
They have engaged in collective actions, particularly in litigation against corporations and the federal government, thereby shaping state policy and legal landscapes.

Other Executive Offices (3 of 3)

Other Offices

Discussed pros and cons of governor-appointed officials, particularly in terms of accountability and loyalty.
Notable controversies surrounding secretaries of state, including their roles and influence over electoral processes.