What Is a Governor?

by Owen Ayite-Atayi, age 17

A governor oversees and carries out laws that are needed in their state. Governors don't get to write state laws, but they have other people in power to help with their decisions.

To become a governor in the state of Wisconsin, the minimum age requirement is 18, but this varies among other states. There are many powers when it comes to becoming a governor, such as legislative role, appointment powers, and clemency power. If a governor were to vacate their office, the lieutenant governor would take over. Every state except Oregon can impeach its governor.

Many governors, including Wisconsin governors, have the authority to pick state court judges. There are two important rules for governors in their relationship with state Legislatures. They are able to propose legislation and set policy priorities. And they are also entitled to announce and call legislative sessions.

A governor works with the Legislature to make sure that the legislators carry out the governor's goals and priorities. Governors also submit annual budgets that are reviewed and later approved from the budget by the Legislature. In some states, governors have the power to remove things they don't like which is also known as the “line-item veto”. Any bill that is created by the Legislature, has to be signed by the governor for the bill to pass. The governor may decide not to sign the bill, which is a full veto.

Nelson Dewey was elected as Wisconsin’s first governor in 1848. He beat a Whig candidate in his second term despite the Whig Party having to force him out of office. Dewey served until 1852 and did not run for the third term. He also denied the expansion of slavery into new states and territories.

A governor is the chief executive of a state and is responsible for enforcing laws. As Tony Evers is the current governor of Wisconsin, he aims to improve the quality and support of the residents of Wisconsin.

[Source: National Governors Association]