Study Notes on Governors and Executives

Governor Definition
- The governor is the head of the executive branch of the state government.
- Considered the most powerful politician within the state.
- Responsible for executing laws and managing the state's affairs, akin to a CEO.
- Sets the agenda for the legislative branch and is often credited or blamed for the state economy's performance.
Governor Terms
- Governors now serve longer terms compared to the past.
- 36 states have term limits for governors, while 14 do not.
- For example, in Florida (FL), governors are allowed to serve two 4-year terms but can run again after being out of office for four years.
- Governors possess greater power and authority over state departments and agencies.
Roles of Governors as Multitaskers
- They propose legislation and implement regulations.
- Act as advocates and public relations representatives for their states.
- Promote tourism as a critical factor for economic growth.

Influence Over Legislature
- Governors exert enormous influence over legislative processes.
- Deliver state of the state addresses to outline their agendas.
- Control the state budget and possess veto powers over legislative bills.
- A supermajority vote is often required to override a governor's veto.
- In Florida, a 2/3 majority is necessary to override a veto.

Power to Appoint
- Governors have the authority to appoint individuals to head state government departments (e.g., cabinet secretaries).
- They can select individuals aligning with their policy preferences and can terminate appointees as necessary.
- Some cabinet positions are elected, such as in Florida, where the Chief Financial Officer, Attorney General, and Commissioner of Agriculture are elected officials.

Public Representation
- The governor serves as the chief spokesperson and public face of the state government.
- Responsible for attracting jobs and industry to the state and acting as a significant lobbyist in Washington, D.C.
- In Florida, promoting tourism is a vital aspect of the governor's role.

Leadership within State Parties
- Governors are key figures within their state’s political parties, capable of selecting state party chairs.
- Participate in raising campaign contributions and utilizing media attention to bolster election campaigns.

Emergency Powers
- Governors have the authority to mobilize National Guard units in response to emergencies, such as natural disasters or civil unrest.
- Recently, governors have deployed the National Guard to perform various roles, including driving school buses, assisting in nursing homes, and administering COVID-19 vaccine shots.

Definition
- Formal powers are explicitly granted to governors by state law.
Key Formal Powers
- Prepare State Budgets: Governors formulate and present state budgets for legislative approval.
- Veto Power: 44 states, including Florida, utilize some form of line-item veto.
- Grant Pardons: Governors can grant pardons, forgiving crimes or commuting sentences deemed unfair.
- Call Special Sessions: Governors can convene special sessions of the legislature and often set their agendas; about half of the nation’s governors possess this power.

Definition
- Informal powers arise from a governor’s personality or position rather than from official authority.
Examples of Informal Powers
- Popular Support: A popular governor can secure cooperation from legislators and officials.
- Bully Pulpit: The platform that allows governors to command significant public and media attention.
- Party Support in the Legislature: Affiliation with a dominating party in the legislature facilitates the passage of agendas.
- In Florida, the Republican Party controls both legislative chambers.
- Ability to Communicate: While no law obligates media to focus on governors, they receive substantial attention nonetheless.

Definition
- Executive orders are rules or regulations created by governors with the force of law under the statutory authority granted to them.
- Many governors have utilized executive orders, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- A key debate surrounds the question of whether governors possess the authority to issue such orders or if they should defer to the legislative process.

Demographics
- Historically, gubernatorial offices have been dominated by middle-aged white men; however, there is a growing presence of women in these roles.
- Currently, there is a record number of female governors (14 of 50) and female lieutenant governors (25 of 50).
Factors Influencing Gubernatorial Elections
- Gubernatorial elections are now often scheduled during off-years, the second year of the presidential term, increasing focus on state issues over national ones.
- Gubernatorial elections represent a billion-dollar industry, highlighting their significance in the political landscape.
Keeping and Leaving Office
- Governors are rarely impeached.
- A recall election allows voters to remove an elected official before their term ends.
- Many governors are termed out or seek to advance to higher political offices.
- Historically, 17 of the 47 presidents (36%) and 16 of the 50 vice presidents (32%) have been governors.
- Currently, 18 states allow recall elections.

Role
- Elected alongside the governor as a part of the same ticket.
- The lieutenant governor typically has fewer crucial responsibilities, with powers granted largely at the governor’s discretion.
- Assumes the governor's duties in the absence of the governor.
- In Florida, the current lieutenant governor is Jay Collings.

Definition
- The attorney general is the top law enforcement officer in the state.
- Has minimal responsibilities since most criminal prosecutions occur at the county level.
- Has been gaining influence by banding with others on a partisan basis to sue the federal government, for example, 27 states (including Florida) sued over the federal vaccine mandate.

Secretaries of State
- In 37 states, secretaries of state serve as the top election officials, overseeing elections.
- Some secretaries of state have faced accusations of partisan bias.
- In Florida, the secretary of state is an appointed position, which can lead to political implications.
- The election of separate department heads can create a political atmosphere within government operations.

Governors as State Power Centers
- Governors are central figures of power at the state level, shaping the legislative agenda and attracting significant media and public attention.
- They exert substantial influence over the legislative process, including the formulation of laws and budgets.
- Governors also play a vital role in promoting their states to attract businesses and tourism.
- The political environment has become more partisan, with governors more likely to advance their agendas.
- Removal from office via recall or impeachment is rare.