Executive Branch
The Governor plus state agencies responsible for policy leadership and implementation.
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| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Executive Branch | The Governor plus state agencies responsible for policy leadership and implementation. |
| Governor | State chief executive who proposes the budget, oversees daily operations, and leads policy. |
| State agencies | Administrative bodies the Governor supervises that deliver public services and enforce law. |
| State budget proposal | Governor’s annual plan for state spending presented to the General Assembly. |
| Statewide election | Election in which all eligible voters across the state choose an officeholder. |
| Term length | Governor serves a four‑year term and may be reelected once consecutively. |
| Term limits | After two consecutive terms the Governor must sit out at least one full term before running again. |
| Appointment power | Governor’s authority to appoint agency directors and members of state boards; includes removal for cause. |
| State boards | Bodies (parole, licensing, arts, etc.) whose members are often gubernatorial appointees. |
| Removal power | Governor’s ability to remove appointed officials for poor performance or corruption. |
| State of the State Address | Annual speech in which the Governor outlines priorities and presents the budget. |
| Statewide mandate | Political claim that election results give the Governor broad public support for policies. |
| Ceremonial duties | Governor’s public roles: economic advocate; disaster spokesperson; informer on revenues. |
| Plural executive | System where other statewide officials (e.g., Secretary of State) are independently elected, limiting gubernatorial control. |
| Secretary of State | Elected official who administers elections, charters corporations, and regulates securities. |
| Attorney General | Elected chief legal officer who represents the state and prosecutes public corruption. |
| School Superintendent | Elected official who promotes public education, coordinates testing, and approves charters. |
| Veto | Governor’s power to reject legislation passed by the General Assembly. |
| Line‑item veto | Governor’s power to strike specific budget items without vetoing an entire appropriations bill. |
| Special session | Extra legislative session the Governor can call to address urgent or specific issues. |
| Qualifications for Governor | Must be U.S. citizen ≥15 years, Georgia resident ≥6 years, at least 30 years old. |
| Legislative influence | Governor shapes the agenda through budget control, party leadership, media exposure, and floor leaders. |