Chapter 9 – The Governor & Other Executives
9.1 Governor
A governor is the elected official who leads a state’s executive branch and is responsible for carrying out state laws and managing the work of state government.
In Ohio, the governor holds the state’s “supreme executive power” and is one of the most visible leaders in state government.
A major part of the governor’s job is managing the executive branch. The governor oversees state agencies and departments that carry out laws and provide public services. The governor appoints many agency leaders, sets priorities for the administration, and works with these officials to put state policies into practice.
The governor plays an important role in the lawmaking process. The governor may recommend legislation to the General Assembly and may call a special session of the legislature when necessary. A special legislative session is a meeting of the legislature held outside its regular schedule to consider specific issues or urgent matters.
After the General Assembly passes a bill, the governor may sign it into law or veto it. For bills that spend state money, the governor also has a line-item veto, which allows individual spending items to be rejected without vetoing the entire bill. The General Assembly can override a governor’s veto with a three-fifths vote in each chamber.
Another related responsibility is developing the state budget. The governor proposes a budget that lays out spending priorities for state programs and agencies. The General Assembly then considers, changes, and approves the budget through the legislative process.
The governor also appoints leaders and members of many state agencies, boards, and commissions. Some appointments require approval from the Ohio Senate.
The governor has important responsibilities during emergencies. Under the Ohio Constitution, the governor serves as commander-in-chief of the state’s military forces and may call out the Ohio National Guard in response to disasters or other serious emergencies.
The governor also has the power of clemency. This includes the authority to grant pardons, reprieves, and commutations after a person has been convicted of a crime, subject to limits established by the Ohio Constitution and state law. A pardon forgives an offense, while a commutation reduces a criminal sentence.
Ohio governors are elected to four-year terms. A governor may serve no more than two consecutive four-year terms. After being out of office for at least four years, a former governor may run for the office again.
Foundational Facts
Under Article III of the Ohio Constitution, the Governor holds the highest executive authority in the state. This includes enforcing state laws, appointing officials (with Senate approval), preparing the state budget, and wielding veto power over legislation. The Governor also has the power to call special legislative sessions and mobilize the Ohio National Guard in emergencies. These powers, outlined in Ohio’s Constitution, position the Governor as a central figure in state government.
References
Ohio Legislative Service Commission. 2023. Chapter 10 – The Executive Branch in A Guidebook for Ohio Legislators. Columbus OH.
Sracic, Paul A. and William C. Binning. 2015. Chapter 4 – The Ohio Executive Branch in Ohio Government and Politics. Washington DC: CQ Press.
