Government of Washington (state)

Heads of the remaining departments are appointed by the Governor, with the advice and consent of the Washington State Senate.

The Governor also enjoys a line item veto, the power to issue pardons and commute death sentences, and they act as commander-in-chief of the state's military forces.

They are each elected on a partisan ballot to concurrent four-year terms, except for the Superintendent of Public Instruction who is officially non-partisan.

The current Governor is Bob Ferguson (D), the Lieutenant Governor is Denny Heck (D), the Attorney General is Nick Brown (D), the Secretary of State is Steve Hobbs (D), the Treasurer is Mike Pellicciotti (D), the Auditor is Pat McCarthy (D), the Public Lands Commissioner is Dave Upthegrove (D), and the Insurance Commissioner is Patty Kuderer (D).

The main administrative departments are:[1] The Washington State Register (WSR) is a biweekly publication that includes activities of the government.

[2][3] The Washington Administrative Code (WAC) is the codification of regulations arranged by subject and agency.

The state is divided into 49 legislative districts of equal population, each of which elects two representatives and one senator.

As well as presiding over the body, the Speaker is also the chief leadership position, and controls the flow of legislation.

The Lieutenant Governor of Washington serves as the President of the Senate, but only casts a vote if required to break a tie.

[5] It has original jurisdiction of petitions against state officers, and can review decisions of lower courts if the money or value of property involved exceeds $200.