[3] The officeholder has the power to either approve or veto bills passed by the Iowa General Assembly,[4] to convene the legislature,[5] as well as to grant pardons, except in cases of treason and impeachment.

[7] There have been 41 individuals who held the position of Iowa governor, with two of those serving multiple distinct terms, Samuel J. Kirkwood and Terry Branstad.

He is the longest-serving governor in U.S. history, surpassing the previous record of 21 years set by George Clinton of New York.

It had four governors appointed by the president of the United States, though the first resigned days after he was confirmed by the Senate and before ever reaching the territory.

The first Constitution of Iowa, adopted in 1846, created the office of governor with a four-year term,[24] with no specific start date.