The governor-general exercises the powers of the monarch, and thus appoints ministers, senators, judges, and ambassadors; gives royal assent to legislation; and issues writs for election.

[2] The governor-general serves at His Majesty's pleasure, although in practice is usually removed following the election of a new party into power.

[3] In addition to his or her legal responsibilities, the governor-general also has many community and ceremonial duties including delivering the speech from the throne at the state opening of Parliament, accepting letters of credence from foreign ambassadors, distributing various honours and decorations, and representing the state at official events.

In general, the governor-general observes the conventions of the Westminster system and responsible government, maintaining political neutrality, and has to always act only on the advice of the prime minister.

The position has gone under many reforms and name changes throughout the years, primarily due to what is now Antigua and Barbuda being merged into various federations and colonies.

Due to the increasing desire of Antiguans and Barbudans to distance themselves from the colonial past, the governor-general has been viewed as a de facto head of state[4][5] culturally, and many have proposed that the position of governor-general replace the monarchy in the event that a republican system be adopted.

A notable exception was Louise Lake-Tack, who was appointed three years after Baldwin Spencer assumed the premiership.

[11] In 2007, there was a vacancy in the position after the term of Sir James Carlisle ended, and in 2014, the government successfully appealed to the monarch that Louise Lake-Tack be removed from office due to her being "uncooperative".

The governor-general also appoints various members of the Constituencies Boundaries Commission with the advice of the prime minister and leader of the opposition.

The governor-general may also appoint parliamentary secretaries, attorneys-general, and certain members of the Advisory Committee on the Prerogative of Mercy.

The governor-general also must appoint the director of public prosecutions under the advice of the Judicial and Legal Services Commission, in addition to various other government commissioners.