State constitutional officer

The governor of each state heads the executive branch and, depending on the individual jurisdiction, may have considerable control over government budgeting, the power of appointment of many officials, and a considerable role in legislation.

The governor may also have additional roles, such as that of commander-in-chief of the state's National Guard, and in many states and territories the governor has partial or absolute power to commute or pardon a criminal sentence.

[2] In Texas, the lieutenant governor has numerous powers over the legislative process, particularly in the senate.

[6][7] In many states, the attorney general is arguably the second most powerful constitutional officer, after the governor.

Typically, the treasurer receives and deposits state money, manages investments, and keeps track of budget surpluses and deficits.

In Illinois, for example, the treasurer invests the public funds, while the comptroller writes the checks to cover the state's expenses.

The Massachusetts Governor's Council consists of eight officials elected from eight districts.

For example, Article II of the Pennsylvania Constitution requires that the Senate elect a President pro tempore, who presides over the senate when the Lieutenant Governor is absent, and that the House of Representatives elect a Speaker.

The Constitution of Virginia requires each county and city to elect a treasurer, sheriff, state's attorney, clerk, and commissioner of revenue.

On the other hand, divided power can also prevent major reforms from occurring.

[33] In some states, including North Carolina, the statewide elected officials are not a part of the cabinet, which is instead composed of gubernatorial appointees.

[34] All states except Louisiana hold their statewide elections on the first Tuesday following the first Monday in November.

Many states, such as Virginia and North Carolina, elect all constitutional officers concurrently to four-year terms.

[15][35] In other states, such as Texas, officials are elected at different times to terms of varying lengths.

[39] North Carolina, on the other hand, elects ten different constitutional officers.

[40] However, this power may be limited; in Utah, the governor has to choose from a list of three candidates provided by the party that last held the office.