Duties of a Governor

The United States of America is a federation of semi-sovereign states, and the powers retained by the state are not notably granted to the federal government. Each state in the U.S. has its own autonomous civil law codes, is relatively powerful, and handles its internal government.

The federal government is constituted by the republic of fifty states. All the U.S. governors serve a four-year term. They serve a two-year term only in Vermont and New Hampshire. Currently, all the governors are directly elected, though in the past they were appointed by the President of the United States.

The governor is the commander-in-chief of all military establishments and organizations of the state. The National guard is one such organization. They can mobilize the armed forces of the state in case of an emergency. They have the authority to fill vacancies in the government with sufficient cause.

These duties are extremely important as they control the legislative body which ensures that the legislative proceedings are fruitful. The most important duty is the veto and ratification power in case of bills. This power enables them to be recommended and in some cases even exercise changes in the bills.

The head of the state also convenes some special legislative sessions for members. Apart from that, ceremonially presenting an executive report, on various issues, in front of the legislature is an important responsibility.

The duties include an authority to grant reprieves and commutations to punishments and court decisions if they think that the cause is genuine, recommend taxation changes to the legislatures, and advocate an entire budget to the government.

Apart from these obligations, the governors have also played an instrumental role in national and international politics. The United States political system also grants sufficient duties which enable them to safeguard their states and its people from any imminent problem or danger.

It must be noted that in the absence of the governor, the lieutenant governor carries out all the above-mentioned responsibilities and tasks. The duties can be summed up in just four words―care for the people.