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Chapter 6 State Governors Multiple-Choice Questions 1. Which of the following spells out the rules of eligibility, tenure, and salary for the governor of a state? A. the Declaration of independence B. code of conduct C. state constitution D. bill of rights E. articles of confederation Answer: C Rationale: The state constitution outlines the rules of eligibility, tenure, and salary for the governor of a state, including qualifications for office and the length of the governor's term. 2. ________ is the most common path to governorship. A. Being one of the political appointees B. Serving as a private attorney C. Being a homemaker D. Being elected as a state legislator E. Serving in the public sector Answer: D Rationale: Being elected as a state legislator is the most common path to the governorship, as it provides experience in governance and familiarity with state politics. 3. Which of the following states does NOT have four-year terms for their governors? A. New Hampshire B. New York C. Texas D. Virginia E. California Answer: A Rationale: New Hampshire is the state that does not have four-year terms for its governors; instead, it has two-year terms. 4. Mitch Michelson is the incumbent first-term governor of the state of Virginia. At the end of his current term, he wishes to be immediately reelected for the next term. Which of the following reasons best explains his inability to run for election in the second term? A. He does not meet the age requirements for gubernatorial eligibility. B. He does not meet the residency requirements for gubernatorial eligibility. C. In Virginia, governors cannot serve consecutive terms. D. In Virginia, governors can only serve one term. E. He does not meet the citizenship requirements for gubernatorial eligibility. Answer: C Rationale: The reason for Mitch Michelson's inability to run for reelection in Virginia is because governors in Virginia cannot serve consecutive terms. 5. What has been the general trend in salaries of state governors over the last few years? A. decreased significantly B. slightly decreased C. no change D. slightly increased E. increased significantly Answer: B Rationale: The general trend in salaries of state governors over the last few years has been a slight decrease or stagnation in salaries. 6. Which of the following is NOT a likely incentive for people trying to become state governors? A. opportunity to serve the public B. make history C. exercise power D. stepping-stone to running for the Senate E. financial bonuses Answer: E Rationale: Financial bonuses are not typically a primary incentive for individuals seeking to become state governors. Other incentives such as serving the public, making history, exercising power, and using the position as a stepping-stone to higher office are more common motivators. 7. Which of the following statements is true of reelection? A. In five states—New York, Texas, Ohio, Arizona, and Virginia—elections for governor are held in odd-numbered years. B. Only one state holds gubernatorial elections at the same time as presidential elections. C. Governors in New York and Texas are elected for two-year terms in all even-numbered years. D. Two states elect governors to four-year terms in presidential election years. E. In 34 states, elections for governor are held only in even-numbered, but nonpresidential, midterm election years. Answer: E Rationale: In 34 states, elections for governor are held only in even-numbered, but nonpresidential, midterm election years. This allows gubernatorial elections to be held separately from presidential elections. 8. What is the percentage of incumbent governors that were reelected between 1998 and 2010? A. less than 20% B. between 20% and 50% C. around 50% D. between 50% and 80% E. over 80% Answer: E Rationale: Over 80% of incumbent governors were reelected between 1998 and 2010, indicating a high rate of reelection for sitting governors during that time period. 9. What do election reformers suggest concerning state gubernatorial elections and presidential elections? A. They must always be held together to reduce electoral costs. B. They should be held separately to avoid state politics being swamped by the tides of national politics. C. They can only be held together if the governor‘s term is ending in the same year. D. They must not be held together if both the gubernatorial incumbent and presidential incumbent are from the same party. E. They can only be held together if the gubernatorial incumbent is not running for reelection. Answer: B Rationale: Election reformers suggest that state gubernatorial elections and presidential elections should be held separately to prevent state politics from being overshadowed by national politics and to allow voters to focus on state-specific issues during gubernatorial elections. 10. In the late 1700s, how were US governors chosen for office? A. elected by the people B. appointed by the state senate C. elected by the state legislature D. appointed by the President E. appointed by the federal congress Answer: C Rationale: In the late 1700s, U.S. governors were typically chosen for office through election by the state legislature rather than by popular vote. 11. Unlike elected Presidents, state governors generally: A. do not have line item veto power. B. lack the power to pardon or grant clemency to criminals. C. lack appointive power. D. share executive power with other elected officials. E. are allowed to be in that position for an unlimited period of time. Answer: D Rationale: State governors generally share executive power with other elected officials such as lieutenant governors, state treasurers, and state attorneys general, unlike elected Presidents who have more centralized executive authority. 12. Which of the following states would be considered as having strong, constitutionally provided powers for its governor? A. Indiana B. Oklahoma C. New York D. Mississippi E. Vermont Answer: C Rationale: New York would be considered as having strong, constitutionally provided powers for its governor due to its historically powerful executive office. 13. Which of the following states would be considered as having weak constitutionally provided powers for its governor? A. Massachusetts B. North Carolina C. Maryland D. Alaska E. West Virginia Answer: B Rationale: North Carolina would be considered as having weak constitutionally provided powers for its governor compared to other states due to historical factors and the distribution of power between the governor and the state legislature. 14. Which of the following is the activity that most governors lack constitutionality authority over? A. to make appointments B. to pardon or grant clemency C. to command the state National Guard D. to prepare the state budget E. to decide foreign policy Answer: E Rationale: Governors lack constitutional authority over foreign policy decisions, which typically fall within the purview of the federal government and the President. 15. Which of the following states‘ governor has severe restrictions on his or her appointive power? A. New York B. Texas C. New Jersey D. Illinois E. Florida Answer: B Rationale: Texas's governor has severe restrictions on his or her appointive power due to the state's historically limited executive authority and the influence of other elected officials and state agencies. 16. Which of the following is true of governors concerning their appointive powers? A. They can fill all positions in the government. B. They can only appoint elected officials. C. They may remove people only when they have violated the law. D. They have unlimited power over the officials they appoint. E. They solely possess all the appointive powers. Answer: C Rationale: Governors may typically remove appointed officials only for cause, such as misconduct or violation of the law, rather than having unlimited power over all appointees. 17. When is a state administrator said to have a measure of independence from the governor? A. when his programs are supported by federal funds B. when he is appointed by the governor‘s predecessor C. when he is appointed by the governor D. when he is appointed by both the governor and the state senate E. when his programs are budgeted according to the state funds available Answer: A Rationale: A state administrator is said to have a measure of independence from the governor when his programs are supported by federal funds, as federal funding may come with certain restrictions or autonomy. 18. Which of the following tasks of a governor consists of recruiting talented leaders and managers to head the state‘s various commissions? A. granting clemency B. preparing the state budget C. vetoing legislation D. issuing executive orders E. making appointments Answer: E Rationale: Making appointments is the task of a governor that consists of recruiting talented leaders and managers to head the state's various commissions and agencies. 19. In nearly all states, the ________ has responsibility for preparing a budget. A. state legislature B. state senate C. President D. governor E. federal government Answer: D Rationale: In nearly all states, the governor has the primary responsibility for preparing a budget, which is then submitted to the state legislature for approval. 20. Apart from the governor, with whom else does budgeting influence lie? A. the CEOs of major corporations B. non-profit governmental organizations C. the executive branch agencies D. the labor unions E. lobbyists Answer: C Rationale: Apart from the governor, budgeting influence lies with the executive branch agencies, which are responsible for implementing the budget once it is approved by the state legislature. 21. The final budget document is presented to the legislature for adoption as a(n) ________. A. line item B. appropriations measure C. amendment D. executive order E. bill Answer: B Rationale: The final budget document is presented to the legislature for adoption as an appropriations measure, outlining how funds will be allocated for various government expenditures. 22. Which of the following arguments best describes the level of control that the governor has over the budgetary process? A. Governors control the overall process completely. B. The process is completely controlled by the state legislature. C. Governors can only affect expenditures at the edges of the overall budget. D. The budgetary process is entirely controlled by the President. E. The state executive-level agencies control most of the process. Answer: C Rationale: Governors typically have some control over the budgetary process but can often only affect expenditures at the edges of the overall budget, as the process involves negotiation and approval by the state legislature. 23. Which of the following statements is true of budgets? A. In 15 states, the budget is prepared biennially but the governor proposes changes in the second year. B. Only two states—New Jersey and New York—have true biennial budgets. C. Governors seldom use their annual State of the State Address to present the budget recommendations. D. The final budget document is presented to the general public for adoption as an appropriations measure. E. State monies can be spent without legislative appropriations. Answer: A Rationale: In 15 states, the budget is prepared biennially, but the governor may propose changes in the second year to address emerging needs or issues. 24. ________ is the rejection by a president or governor of legislation passed by a legislature. A. Ordinance B. Veto C. Proclamation D. Injunction E. Executive order Answer: B Rationale: A veto is the rejection by a president or governor of legislation passed by a legislature, preventing it from becoming law. 25. ________ provides an executive the right to veto parts of a spending bill approved by a legislature without having to veto the entire bill. A. Amendatory veto B. Pocket veto C. Line item veto D. Reduction veto E. Absolute veto Answer: C Rationale: A line item veto provides an executive the right to veto specific parts or "line items" of a spending bill approved by a legislature without having to veto the entire bill. 26. ________ provides governors in a few states the power to scale down a particular appropriation. A. Amendatory veto B. Pocket veto C. Line item veto D. Reduction veto E. Absolute veto Answer: D Rationale: A reduction veto provides governors in a few states the power to scale down or reduce a particular appropriation within a budget bill. 27. ________ provides governors in a few states the power to return a bill to the legislature with suggested language changes, conditions, or modifications. Legislators then decide either to accept the governor‘s recommendations or to pass the bill in its original form over the veto. A. Amendatory veto B. Pocket veto C. Line item veto D. Reduction veto E. Absolute veto Answer: A Rationale: An amendatory veto provides governors in a few states the power to return a bill to the legislature with suggested changes, conditions, or modifications, giving legislators the option to accept the governor's recommendations or pass the bill in its original form. 28. ________ is a directive issued by a president or governor that has the force of law. A. Amendatory veto B. Proclamation C. Line item veto D. Reduction veto E. Executive order Answer: E Rationale: An executive order is a directive issued by a president or governor that has the force of law, typically used to implement policies or procedures within the executive branch. 29. Richardson, the governor of New Jersey, is not happy with the budget allocated toward a particular expenditure in the appropriations bill. Which of the following powers will he use to change the bill without sending the bill back to the legislature? A. amendatory veto B. absolute veto C. line item veto D. reduction veto E. pocket veto Answer: C Rationale: Richardson will use the line item veto power to change the appropriations bill by vetoing specific expenditures without vetoing the entire bill, allowing him to alter the budget without sending it back to the legislature. 30. In most states, ________ is typically required for a state legislature to overturn a governor‘s veto. A. dominant minority B. majority minority C. zero majority D. two-thirds majority E. one-fifths majority Answer: D Rationale: In most states, a two-thirds majority vote of both chambers of the state legislature is typically required to overturn a governor's veto and enact the vetoed legislation into law. 31. What was the position of state governors to the changes made by congress to the Insurrection Act in 2007? A. most governors felt it did not impinge on state rights B. governors vehemently opposed the changes C. support was equally split among governors D. support was split along partisan lines E. strong support from all governors Answer: B Rationale: State governors vehemently opposed the changes made by Congress to the Insurrection Act in 2007, viewing them as encroaching on state rights and potentially undermining their authority over the deployment of the National Guard. 32. Under which of the following events is the governor in charge of and directs the state national guard? A. war B. military training exercises C. peacekeeping operations in other countries D. disaster relief operations E. invasion Answer: D Rationale: Governors are in charge of and direct the state National Guard during disaster relief operations, such as responding to natural disasters or emergencies within the state. 33. Where does most of the funding for the state National Guard come from? A. state taxes B. state bonds C. the U.S. Congress D. the Department of Homeland Security E. the U.N Answer: C Rationale: Most of the funding for the state National Guard comes from the U.S. Congress through federal appropriations. 34. Which of the following statements is true of the state‘s National Guard? A. They are used by governors in the event of riots. B. They cannot be deployed for combat outside the U.S. C. Most of their funding is from the World Bank. D. Both Congress and the President require the governor‘s approval to use them. E. Governors can prohibit the federal government from taking charge of the National Guard. Answer: A Rationale: State National Guards are often used by governors in the event of riots or civil disturbances within their states. 35. Which of the following statements is true about pardons granted by the governor? A. Governors require approval from the state legislature to pardon crimes. B. Governors can only pardon criminals approved by the pardon board. C. Governors can pardon all state crimes. D. Governors lack the power to grant a reprieve by delaying punishments. E. Governor granted pardons are politically unpopular. Answer: E Rationale: Governor-granted pardons are sometimes politically unpopular, as they can be perceived as controversial or lenient decisions, especially if they involve high-profile cases or crimes. 36. Recent federal legislation that has turned over programs to state governments designates the state‘s ________ as the chief planning and administrative officer. A. governor B. attorney general C. comptroller D. treasurer E. auditor-general Answer: A Rationale: Recent federal legislation designates the state governor as the chief planning and administrative officer for programs turned over to state governments, reflecting the governor's role as the chief executive of the state. 37. Which of the following has increased governors‘ managerial control in recent years? A. new state legislations B. new amendments to state constitution C. modern management techniques D. new federal legislations E. popular mandate Answer: C Rationale: Modern management techniques have increased governors' managerial control in recent years, providing them with tools and strategies to more effectively oversee state government operations. 38. Which of the following arguments is used by critics to oppose the reorganization of state administrations? A. Reformers often fail to foresee the risks in creating a powerful chief executive with no check. B. Reformers will think only about profit and lose focus on customers i.e. the public. C. Reformers will have only short-term gains and lack strategic planning. D. Reformers want to automate several systems that will cause mass unemployment. E. Reformers fail to consider or utilize performance measurement indexes. Answer: A Rationale: Critics of reorganization of state administrations often argue that reformers fail to foresee the risks in creating a powerful chief executive with no checks and balances, potentially leading to abuses of power or overreach. 39. Which of the following federal executive positions is comparable with the lieutenant governor‘s role at the state? A. National Security Advisor B. Speaker of the House C. Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff D. vice president E. attorney general Answer: D Rationale: The vice president at the federal level is comparable to the lieutenant governor's role at the state level, as both positions serve as the second in command to the chief executive and may assume the role of governor/president if necessary. 40. In nearly half the states, the ________ is elected on the same ticket as the governor and the job and its influence depend very much on the discretion of the governor. A. mayor B. treasurer C. attorney general D. secretary of state E. lieutenant governor Answer: E Rationale: In nearly half the states, the lieutenant governor is elected on the same ticket as the governor, and the job's influence depends very much on the discretion of the governor, as their roles and responsibilities vary widely across states. 41. Which of the following is the method used for choosing lieutenant governors? A. appointed by the federal government B. appointed by the state supreme court C. appointed by the governor D. chosen by election E. elected by the legislature Answer: D Rationale: Lieutenant governors are typically chosen through popular election in most states, rather than being appointed by the governor or other entities. 42. Which of the following is the most common method for choosing an attorney general? A. popular election B. legislative election C. appointments by the state supreme court D. appointments by the federal government E. appointments by the governor Answer: A Rationale: The most common method for choosing an attorney general is through popular election, allowing the citizens of the state to directly vote for their attorney general. 43. Michael is the governor of New York State and has been implicated in a scandal that forces him to resign. Which of the following is the next step by the state of New York in filling his position? A. The state immediately conducts elections. B. The federal government appoints a temporary governor until popular elections. C. The secretary of state of New York steps in as a temporary governor until popular elections. D. The lieutenant governor of New York is sworn in as governor to finish the original term. E. The state legislature appoints a temporary governor until popular elections. Answer: D Rationale: In most states, including New York, the lieutenant governor assumes the position of governor if the governor resigns, dies, or is otherwise unable to fulfill their duties. 44. What is the role of a state‘s attorney general? A. represents the state before the courts B. helps the governor run the state C. develops fiscal policies for the state D. supervises state elections E. acts as the guardian of the state‘s money Answer: A Rationale: The primary role of a state's attorney general is to represent the state in legal matters, including representing the state before the courts and providing legal advice to state agencies. 45. Which of the following state officials is usually involved in ensuring that state laws are implemented properly? A. governor B. secretary of state C. lieutenant governor D. treasurer E. attorney general Answer: E Rationale: The attorney general is typically involved in ensuring that state laws are implemented properly by providing legal guidance and representation to state agencies and officials. 46. Which of the following is the most common method of choosing secretaries of state? A. appointment by the federal government B. popular election C. appointment by the state supreme court D. appointment by the governor E. legislative election Answer: B Rationale: Secretaries of state are most commonly chosen through popular election, allowing citizens to directly vote for the individual who will serve as their secretary of state. 47. Which of the following is the most common method of choosing treasurers? A. appointment by the state supreme court B. legislative election C. popular election D. appointment by the federal government E. appointment by the governor Answer: C Rationale: Treasurers are most commonly chosen through popular election, allowing citizens to directly vote for the individual who will serve as their state treasurer. 48. Which of the following is the role of the secretary of state? A. represents the state before the courts B. replaces the governor in case of the governor‘s death C. ensures that state laws are implemented properly D. publishes the laws E. acts as the guardian of the state‘s money Answer: D Rationale: One of the primary roles of the secretary of state is to publish and maintain records of the laws and official documents of the state. 49. Though most secretaries of state have varying responsibilities based on states, which of the following activities comes under the purview of all secretaries of state? A. supervising state elections B. licensing the professionals C. issuing certificates of incorporation D. having authority over local prosecutors E. being the guardian of the state‘s money Answer: A Rationale: Supervising state elections is a common responsibility of secretaries of state across all states, ensuring fair and transparent electoral processes. 50. Which of the following state officials is primarily responsible for executing the 2002 federal Help America Vote Act? A. lieutenant governor B. secretary of state C. director of election administration D. attorney general E. auditor Answer: B Rationale: The secretary of state is primarily responsible for executing the 2002 federal Help America Vote Act, which aims to improve the administration of elections in the United States. 51. What is the role of the treasurer? A. represents the state before the courts B. helps the governor run the state C. ensures that state laws are implemented properly D. publishes the laws E. acts as the guardian of the state‘s money Answer: E Rationale: The treasurer's primary role is to act as the guardian of the state's money, overseeing its management, investment, and disbursement in accordance with state laws and regulations. 52. What is the role of an auditor in the state government? A. represents the state before the courts B. helps the governor run the state C. ensures that state laws are implemented properly D. authorizes payments from the state treasury E. acts as the guardian of the state‘s money Answer: D Rationale: The role of an auditor in the state government typically includes authorizing payments from the state treasury, ensuring that expenditures are in compliance with laws and regulations. 53. Which document certifies that expenditure is authorized by law and that the money is available in the treasury? A. credit note B. authorization certificate C. warrant D. charter E. memorandum of association Answer: C Rationale: A warrant is a document issued by the treasurer certifying that an expenditure is authorized by law and that sufficient funds are available in the treasury to cover the expenditure. 54. The “preaudit” process is increasingly being assigned to the state‘s ________. A. secretary B. comptroller C. attorney-general D. budget director E. lieutenant governor Answer: B Rationale: The preaudit process, which involves reviewing and approving expenditures before payment, is commonly assigned to the state comptroller, who ensures that expenditures comply with state laws and budgetary regulations. 55. Which of the following is expected of governors in the present day? A. to act as chief booster to attract business and tourism B. to represent the state in courts C. to oversee authorization and payment of state monies D. to oversee the public school system E. to petition for more funds from the World Bank Answer: A Rationale: Governors are often expected to act as the chief booster of their state's economy, promoting business development, tourism, and economic growth through various initiatives and activities. True-False Questions 1. In some of the states, it is possible for an eighteen year old to be elected as state governor. Answer: True Rationale: While the eligibility requirements for governorship vary by state, some states do not have a minimum age requirement beyond the constitutional eligibility requirements for holding public office, which is typically 18 years old. 2. Only people who have held past elected office can be elected as governor. Answer: False Rationale: While prior experience in elected office is common among governors, it is not a universal requirement. Many governors have been elected without prior elected experience, coming from backgrounds such as business, law, or other professions. 3. All states have terms lasting four years for their elected governors. Answer: False Rationale: While four-year terms are common for governors, not all states have this duration. Some states have two-year terms, while others have longer terms, such as six or eight years. 4. Mitch Michelson, the incumbent governor of Virginia, is running for election in the next term and it is possible for him to win. Answer: False Rationale: Since Virginia restricts its governors to a single, non-consecutive term, Mitch Michelson would not be eligible to run for reelection immediately after his current term ends. 5. Most state governors earn salaries that are comparable to CEOs of major corporations. Answer: False Rationale: While governors typically earn substantial salaries, they generally do not reach the level of compensation that CEOs of major corporations receive. 6. Most governors do not receive any financial incentives after being appointed governors of their state. Answer: True Rationale: Governors are elected rather than appointed, and they typically do not receive financial incentives beyond their salary and benefits for serving in office. 7. Reformers have successfully argued that presidential and gubernatorial elections should be separated so that state elections are not swamped by the tides of national politics. Answer: True Rationale: Separating presidential and gubernatorial elections helps prevent state politics from being overshadowed by national issues and allows voters to focus more on state-specific concerns and candidates. 8. The governor holds all executive power in the state. Answer: False Rationale: While governors hold significant executive authority, they typically share power with other elected and appointed officials, such as lieutenant governors, attorneys general, and various executive agencies. 9. The President of the United States does not share executive power with several other elected and appointed officials. Answer: True Rationale: While the President holds the highest executive office in the United States, they share executive power with various other officials, including members of the Cabinet, agency heads, and Congress. 10. North Carolina offers weak formal powers to its governors. Answer: True Rationale: Compared to some other states, North Carolina provides relatively weak formal powers to its governors, with limited authority over appointments, budgeting, and other aspects of governance. 11. Governors lack the constitutional powers required to veto legislation. Answer: False Rationale: Governors typically have the constitutional authority to veto legislation passed by the state legislature, although the process and requirements for vetoing bills may vary by state. 12. Governors have the constitutional powers to grant clemency to criminals. Answer: True Rationale: Governors commonly have the authority to grant pardons, commutations, and reprieves to individuals convicted of crimes within their state. 13. Only the President of the United States and not the governors have the powers to command the state National Guard. Answer: False Rationale: Governors have the authority to command the state National Guard within their respective states, while the President has authority over the National Guard when it is federalized for national purposes. 14. The governor has limited authority over other elected officials and he or she cannot dismiss them. Answer: True Rationale: Governors typically have limited authority over other elected officials, as they are independently elected and may only be removed through specific legal processes such as impeachment or recall. 15. State administrators whose programs are supported by federal funds have a measure of independence from the governor. Answer: True Rationale: State administrators whose programs are supported by federal funds may have a degree of independence from the governor due to the federal requirements and regulations associated with those funds. 16. Most states prepare a budget and present it to the state legislature annually. Answer: True Rationale: It is common practice for states to prepare annual budgets, outlining revenue projections, proposed expenditures, and other financial considerations, which are then presented to the state legislature for approval. 17. The governor and the chief budget officials exclusively have control over the budgetary process. Answer: False Rationale: While the governor and chief budget officials play significant roles in the budgetary process, the entire process typically involves input and approval from various stakeholders, including state legislators, agency heads, and other elected officials. 18. In several but not all cases, state money can be spent without legislative appropriations. Answer: False Rationale: State money generally cannot be spent without legislative appropriations. However, there may be certain emergency situations or predefined circumstances where governors have limited authority to spend funds without legislative approval, but these instances are typically rare and subject to subsequent legislative review. 19. States are not allowed to borrow money, therefore, they must raise enough revenue to cover costs, or cut enough costs to meet revenues. Answer: True Rationale: States are generally prohibited from running deficits and borrowing money to cover operational expenses. Therefore, they must balance their budgets by either generating sufficient revenue through taxation and other means or reducing expenditures to match available revenues. 20. The line item veto is unique to state governors in 43 states and this cannot be exercised by the President of the United States. Answer: True Rationale: The line item veto allows governors in many states to veto specific provisions or "lines" within a piece of legislation while approving the rest. This authority is not granted to the President of the United States at the federal level. 21. Executive orders do not require any approval from state legislature to go into effect. Answer: True Rationale: Executive orders are directives issued by the governor that carry the force of law within the state. They do not require approval from the state legislature to be implemented, although they may be subject to judicial review. 22. Congress and the president have the power to take charge of a state‘s National Guard even against the wishes of a governor. Answer: True Rationale: While governors typically have authority over the state National Guard, the President, with approval from Congress, can federalize the National Guard, placing it under federal control even if the governor objects. 23. The governor can pardon offenders of any crime. Answer: False Rationale: The power of pardon granted to governors typically applies to state offenses only, and there may be limitations on the types of crimes for which pardons can be granted. Federal crimes fall under the jurisdiction of the President of the United States. 24. The post of lieutenant governor is present in all of the U.S. states. Answer: False Rationale: Not all U.S. states have a lieutenant governor. The presence and responsibilities of the lieutenant governor vary by state, with some states combining the roles of lieutenant governor and secretary of state or having different arrangements altogether. 25. While the attorney general can represent the state in all cases, most states prevent them from getting involved in criminal prosecutions. Answer: True Rationale: The attorney general typically represents the state in civil matters and provides legal advice to state agencies and officials. While they may have authority over criminal prosecutions in some states, their involvement in criminal cases can vary depending on state law and practice. Short Answer Questions 1. What are the lengths of terms and term limitations for state governors in the United States? Answer: An ideal response would be: All states except New Hampshire and Vermont have four-year terms, and all states except Virginia allow governors to run for more than one consecutive term. 2. What are some of the motivations for people to seek the governor‘s office? Answer: An ideal response would be: Some of the motivations for seeking the office of the governor are opportunity to serve the public, make history, exercise power, or get a foothold for a run for the Senate or the presidency. Nonfinancial incentives are probably dominant for most gubernatorial candidates. 3. What are election reformers‘ views on the separation of presidential and gubernatorial elections? Answer: An ideal response would be: Reformers have successfully argued that presidential and gubernatorial elections should be separated so that state elections are not swamped by the tides of national politics. 4. What were the public‘s sentiments toward royal governors appointed by the British crown during the pre-independence era? Answer: An ideal response would be: Before the American Revolution, royal governors were appointed by and responsible to the British crown and had broad powers, including extensive veto power over the elected colonial legislatures. As anti-British sentiment increased, royal governors became more and more unpopular. The position of state governor in the new Republic was born in this atmosphere of distrust. 5. What are some of the factors that affect the personal power of a state governor? Answer: An ideal response would be: Personal powers of the governors typically stem from such factors as the size of their electoral victory, their job approval rating, and how far away their next election is. 6. What are some of the common constitutional authorities provided to a state‘s governor? Answer: An ideal response would be: Most governors have the constitutional authority to make appointments, prepare the state budget, veto legislation, issue executive orders, command the state National Guard, grant clemency, and help establish the legislature‘s agenda. 7. Who are typically responsible for drafting the budget and ushering it through the budgetary process? Answer: An ideal response would be: Most budgetary decision are controlled by the governor and chief budget officials, though considerable budgeting influence remains in the hands of the executive branch agencies as well. 8. What is the purpose of the line item veto power of state governors? Answer: An ideal response would be: The line item veto permits state governors to veto individual items in an appropriations bill while signing the remainder of the bill into law. Thus, they can influence the flow of funds to the executive departments and thereby attempt to control their activities. 9. What is a “waiver” in relation to adopting new state laws? Answer: An ideal response would be: In some cases, governors need to negotiate with federal agencies for a “waiver,” an agreement by a federal agency to permit a state to implement a state law that would otherwise conflict with federal law. 10. What are some of the main tasks of a state governor? Answer: An ideal response would be: Governors and their senior staffs are responsible for managing their state‘s executive branch, whether by providing strategic planning and vision, initiating policy, settling disputes among different agencies, promoting the state, recruiting top state administrative and judicial officials, developing the budget, pulling in federal dollars, or negotiating with the federal government as well as nearby states. Essay Questions 1. Elaborate on the appointive powers of a state governor. Answer: An ideal response would be: Perhaps a governor‘s most important job is to recruit talented leaders and managers to head the state‘s departments, commissions, and agencies. Through recruitment of effective people and prudent delegation of responsibilities to them, a governor can provide direction for the state government. Governors have limited power over officials they appoint. In most states, governors must share their appointive power with the state senate and may remove people only when they have violated the law or failed in their legal duties. State administrators whose programs are supported by federal funds also have a measure of independence from the governor. 2. Briefly describe the budget process. Answer: An ideal response would be: The budget process is similar in most states. In May and June, the governor‘s budget office sends request forms to the various executive agencies. From July to October, the agencies complete their detailed requests and send them back for consideration. Their requests are typically higher than the governor‘s proposed guidelines. The governor‘s budget chief evaluates all requests, sometimes holds internal administrative hearings, and then makes recommendations to the governor. Finally, the governor presents the recommendations to the legislature at the beginning of the New Year. Governors frequently use their annual State of the State Address to present these recommendations and continue to promote them during speeches given throughout the budget process. 3. Elaborate on the influence that governors have in changing policy. Answer: An ideal response would be: Although governors‘ formal powers vary widely from state to state, to change public policies, all governors face the challenge of securing the cooperation of many other people and institutions. To enact new legislation, governors may need to bargain with top legislative leaders (often of the opposite party), interest group representatives, local governments (which often lobby for or against legislation and budgets), and the state‘s bureaucracy (whose expertise is sometimes important in getting legislative support). In some cases, governors need to negotiate with federal agencies for a “waiver,” an agreement by a federal agency to permit a state to implement a state law that would otherwise conflict with federal law. Governors must use their formal powers, political strengths, and personal skills to persuade these and other largely independent people and institutions to do what the governor needs them to do, usually by making it clear to such people that it is in their own political interest to do so. 4. Briefly describe the role of the secretary of state in the state government and how they are chosen to that position in the various states of the United States. Answer: An ideal response would be: The secretary of state publishes the laws, supervises elections, licenses professionals, and issues certificates of incorporation. In some states, the secretary issues automobile licenses and registers corporate securities. In states without a Secretary of State, the Lieutenant Governor or some other official fills these duties. Voters in 35 states elect secretaries of state. In eight states, governors appoint people to this position. In three states, secretaries of state are elected by the legislature. And four states do not have this position at all. 5. Elaborate on some of the expectations faced by governors today. Answer: An ideal response would be: Today, a governor is expected to be, among other things, the state‘s chief policy maker, shaper of the state budget, savvy political party leader, chief recruiter of the best available advisers and administrators, and inspiring renewer of confidence in state programs. The governor must also champion the state‘s interests against the encroachments of federal or local governments and be the state‘s chief booster to attract business and tourism. In order to be effective, governors are expected to take trips abroad to encourage foreign investment in their states and promote their local products. Governors also work with their legislatures to raise revenues for such programs as welfare, education, and economic development. They act as crucial links among the states and between local and the national governments. Test Bank for State and Local Government by the People David B. Magleby Paul C. Light, Christine L. Nemacheck 9780205966530, 9780205828401
