Governor, in the United States, is the chief executive of a state. Governors serve for four years in most states, and for two years in a few states. Their duties, like those of the president of the United States, are partly executive, partly legislative, and partly judicial.
As chief executives, governors have broad powers of supervision over administrative agencies. They can appoint people to many government positions, or remove them. They have the state militia and state police at their disposal. They prepare the budget for the legislature and supervise its administration.
As chief legislator, the governor recommends a program to the legislature and may veto the body’s actions. In most states, the governor may veto specific items in appropriation bills. The governor also may call the legislature into special sessions. The legislature gives the governor the power to detail general statutes.
The governor’s judicial powers include the granting of pardons, reprieves, and commutations. The governor may return to other states fugitives who have escaped from justice. The governor may fill judicial vacancies.
A governor may be impeached and tried by the legislature. In some states, the governor can be recalled from office in special elections.
In early state constitutions, the governorship was a weak position. Experience with royal governors made the people wary of giving the office too much power. Over time, the governorship has become a powerful post, often leading to higher political office.
