The Governor and State Administration Lesson

The governor of a state is elected to office by popular vote.
The governor shares powers with other government officials and executive officers. These officials include: Lieutenant governor, secretary of state, treasurer, and attorney general.

Executive Powers
- The governor has the power to appoint and remove government officials from office.
- The governor has supervisory powers.
- The governor has budget-making powers.
- The governor has some military powers, such as overseeing the National Guard.
Legislative Powers
- The governor has the power to recommend legislation.
- The governor can call special sessions.
- The governor has the power to veto state bills.
Judicial Powers
- The governor has the power pardon or release a criminal from punishment.
- The governor has the power to postpone a sentence (reprieve).
- The governor has the power of veto to set a criminal free before finishing a sentence (parole).

All states can impeach a governor for wrongdoing except the state of Oregon.
Recall exists in 18 states, which means that voters can petition for a special election to decide whether to remove the current officeholder from office.

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