What are the informal powers of the governor?

What Three Powers Does the Governor Have Over the Legislative Branch?

• Answer:

  In the form of democracy practiced in the United States, the concept of a separation of powers is of paramount importance. Without it, one of the three branches of government could wield undue influence. This principle is operative not only at the federal level but in each of the 50 states as well. Even so, America's governors have several particular powers that allow them to exert significant influence over the legislative branches of their states. Power of Veto Perhaps the most significant power a governor has over his legislative branch is the power to veto legislation. In some states, governors can veto parts of a bill the legislature has already passed, while in others she can only veto the bill on an all-or-nothing basis. This "power of the pen" gives the governor tremendous power over the state's legislative branch. Budgetary Formation It is the governor's job to formulate and put forth the state's budget each year. In so, doing a governor may slash or increase not only particular line items but entire programs and agencies as well. While legislators do have the power to review a governor's budget and propose amendments to it, the overall direction of a state's financial resources is largely in gubernatorial hands. Death Penalty Issues Even when an individual commits a capital offense, violating the laws enacted by the state's house and senate, a governor can overturn that individual's sentence, in effect over-reaching both legislative and judicial branches. Whenever a governor grants a stay of execution or commutes a sentence, she is exercising this special executive authority. Commander-in-Chief of State's Military Forces Just as the president of the United States is commander-in-chief of America's armed forces, so, too, is a governor the commander-in-chief of a state's military. A state's National Guard or reserve troops can be called to immediate active duty by order of the governor. When, for example, a natural disaster strikes a state, a governor will often order the National Guard to offer immediate relief assistance to the affected area.