The governor has the power to either approve or veto bills passed by the Colorado General Assembly, to convene the legislature, and to grant pardons, except in cases of treason or impeachment.

Seven people served as governor of Colorado Territory over eight terms, appointed by the president of the United States.

The longest-serving governors were Richard "Dick" Lamm (1975–1987) and Roy Romer (1987–1999), who each served 12 years over three terms.

[4] The territory was never recognized by the federal government in the tumultuous days before the American Civil War.

The Jefferson Territory had only one governor, Robert Williamson Steele, a pro-union Democrat elected by popular vote.