In some states the auditor is ex officio land commissioner.  In other states there is a separate officer to take charge of state lands.

Superintendent of Public Instruction.—­This officer has general supervision and control of the educational interests of the state.  He is often ex officio a member of the board of regents of the state university, of the board of directors of the state normal schools, and of the state high school board.  He has the appointment and general management of state teachers’ institutes.  He meets and counsels with county and city superintendents.  Thus an active, earnest, competent man may influence for good the schools of all grades throughout the state.  He reports to the legislature at each session, through the governor, the condition and needs of the schools of the state.  In this report he recommends such measures for the improvement of the educational system of the state as he deems advisable.  In many states he apportions the state school money.

Assistants.—­Usually the above officers have assistants appointed by themselves.

OTHER STATE OFFICERS.

The officers given above are the typical state officers, but every state has others.  Of these the most important are shown in the comparative tabulation.

Some states provide the governor with a council.  This is in most cases simply an advisory, not an administrative or executive body.

Some Pertinent Questions.

What are the qualifications required in the governor of this state?  The lieutenant governor?  The other officers?  The names of the state officers?  The length of their terms?  The officers not mentioned in the text, and their duties?  Name the state officers whom you have seen.

Which states require the highest qualifications in the governor?  The lowest?  Which give the longest term?  The shortest?  The highest salary?  The lowest?  Which states limit the number of terms?  Which have no lieutenant governor?  In which states is a majority vote required?  Does there seem to be any sectional law as to these things; that is, is there anything peculiar to New England, or to the south, or to the northwest?  What seems to be the general law of succession to the governorship?  What exceptions?

What is meant by saying that the governor executes the law?  Is this saying strictly true?  Is a sheriff an executive or a judicial officer?  The constable?  The mayor of a city?  Can an executive officer be sued?  A judicial officer?

How many senators and representatives would it take to pass a bill over the governor’s veto?  Have you ever known of its being done?  If the governor should go to Washington on business of the state or on private business, who would act as governor?  How long would he so act?  Could he pardon convicts at that time?  Have you ever read a message of the governor?