Exam 7: Governors

Describe the other key executive branch officials in state government. How do these officials contribute to the overall success of the state? How do they support the governor in his or her role?

Because the excesses of some colonial governors appointed by the English Crown created strong dislike and distrust of executive power by the early American settlers, the first state constitutions concentrated political power in the legislative branch.

The attorney general is the state's chief legal counsel.

The most successful governors are those who employ their informal powers to maximize the formal powers, a concept known as

When a governor appoints a new agency head solely on the basis of the individual's party membership, or dispenses contracts or other favors to political supporters, he or she is engaging in

The formal powers of governors are those derived from

During the twentieth century, Jim Thompson of Illinois was the only governor to serve four consecutive four-year terms.

Which of the following statements about the duties of the state treasurer is true?

You were just elected governor of your state. You now have to hire a staff and prepare your agenda. Explain your priorities. What do you need to do to advance them, and with whom do you need to build a coalition to achieve your objectives?

The governor's ability to hire, fire, motivate, and punish is severely restricted by several factors, including:

Gubernatorial elections have become distinct from national elections now that thirty-nine states hold them in nonpresidential election years.

All governors have the power to line-item veto.

States that grant their governors strong formal powers include Alabama and Georgia.

The most recent governors to leave office in disgrace were James McGreevey of New Jersey, Eliot Spitzer of New York, and Rod Blagojevich of Illinois.

The average salary of United States governors is $130,595.

The governor's budget effectively sets the legislative agenda at the beginning of each session because

Most governors dominate the policy agenda in their states by working closely with legislative leaders.

Governors serve as the major points of contact between their states and the president, Congress, and national agencies. This role is known as

If a governor unilaterally issues a rule that affects executive branch operations or activities, he or she is using the power of

The gubernatorial role as chief legislator depends heavily on the governor's ability to