THE GOVERNOR’S VARIED DUTIES

A great deal of the governor’s time is also taken up with duties devolving upon him as the official representative of the state on ceremonial occasions, as in the laying of corner-stones of public buildings, attending state fairs, and making speeches at public meetings of all kinds.  By virtue of his office he is also a member of many boards and commissions whose meetings he must attend.

THE GOVERNOR’S PART IN LAWMAKING

The governor also has some part in lawmaking.  In all states except North Carolina he has the power to veto bills passed by the legislature.  This check upon the legislature is not absolute, for the legislature may overcome the governor’s veto by again passing the bill, usually by a two-thirds vote.  The governor may also influence legislation by means of his messages to the legislature in which he recommends measures which he believes should be enacted into law.  In case of opposition by the legislature, the governor often carries his proposals directly to the people, who quickly make known whether or not they support him.  The governor may call special sessions of the legislature to consider measures of especial importance.

GROWING INFLUENCE OF THE GOVERNOR

The governor is a more influential officer today than he was in the early part of our history.  In colonial times he was the direct representative of the king, or of the colonial proprietor, and the people sought in every way to limit his powers.  After the colonies became states this habitual fear of the governor continued, and he was placed under the control of the legislature.  As time went on, however, the legislature fell under the suspicion of the people, while the governor was more and more looked to as their leader.  Thus, for example, the veto power was given to him, increasing his influence while it curbed that of the legislature.

WEAKNESS OF THE STATE EXECUTIVE

But the power and influence of the governor are by no means as great in relation to state government as are the powers of the President in relation to the national government.  In fact, the executive branch of our state governments has been notoriously weak, and its weakness is of the same kind as that noted in county government:  the lack of an effective, responsible head.

COMPARISON OF STATE WITH NATIONAL EXECUTIVE

In our national government the executive power is concentrated in the hands of one man.  State constitutions seem to confer the same powers upon the governor.  The constitution of Indiana says, “The executive powers of the State shall be vested in a Governor”; and that of Pennsylvania says, “The supreme executive power shall be vested in the Governor.”  But the Pennsylvania constitution also says, “The executive department shall consist of a Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Secretary of the Commonwealth, Attorney General, Auditor General, State Treasurer, Secretary of Internal Affairs and a Superintendent of Public Instruction” (Art.  IV, Sec.  I).  Four of these officers besides the governor are elected by the people.