State & Local Executive

The governor is the head of the armed forces of the Commonwealth—the Virginia National Guard.

• Chief of State
• Party Chief
• Chief Administrator
• Commander-in-Chief

States the formal powers of the Virginia governor

• US Constitution
• Virginia Constitution
• Bill of Rights
• Virginia Declaration of Rights

The governor leads his/her political party. The governor is the public face of the political party. He/she appoints members of the political party to state positions and campaigns for party candidates at both the state and national level.

• Chief of State
• Party Chief
• Chief Administrator
• Commander-in-Chief

The governor makes sure that the laws and policies are faithfully executed by overseeing the state bureaucracy. He/she appoints cabinet secretaries, heads of various state agencies, and members of policy-setting boards and commissions.

• Chief of State
• Party Chief
• Chief Administrator
• Commander-in-Chief

The governor recommends legislation to the General Assembly, approves or vetoes legislation or uses the line-item veto.

• Chief Legislator
• Chief of State
• Party Chief
• Chief Administrator

The governor communicates with other states, the national government, and foreign states.

• Chief Diplomat
• Chief of State
• Chief Adminstrator
• Party Chief

Who is the leader of our state?

• mayor

• governor

• President

What is a mayor

• Chief executive of a city

• Chief executive of a county

• Chief executive of a state

• School board leader

How long is the Governor's term in office?

• 2 years

• 4 years

• 6 years

The governor may not serve

• more than one term in office

• once he has been Lieutentent Governor

• consecutive terms in office