Powers of the State Government

The powers of a state government in the United States are defined in the Tenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which states that any powers not explicitly delegated to the federal government by the Constitution are reserved for the states or the people. State governments have the power to regulate issues that affect the day-to-day…

The State Legislature Branch

A state legislature is responsible for making laws that govern the state. The powers of a state legislature vary depending on the state but generally include the authority to: It should be noted that the structure of state legislatures also varies from state to state, some have a unicameral legislature (one body) and others have…

The State Executive Branch

A governor is the head of the executive branch of a state government in the United States. The powers of a governor vary depending on the state but generally include the authority to: It should be noted that the power of governors differs from state to state, some may have more powers than others depending…

The State Judicial Branch

The state judiciary is responsible for interpreting and applying state laws and the state constitution and for resolving legal disputes. The powers of a state judiciary generally include the authority to: It should be noted that the structure of state judiciary also varies from state to state; some states have a unified court system, while…

What does a Governor do?

A governor is the highest-ranking executive official in a state government and is responsible for overseeing the administration of the state and carrying out the policies of the state legislature. Some of the key responsibilities of a governor include: These are some of the most common responsibilities of a governor, but the exact role and…

How is a lieutenant governor different from a governor?

A lieutenant governor is the second highest executive official in a state government and serves as the backup or successor to the governor. A governor is the head of state and government of a U.S. state and is responsible for enforcing state laws and overseeing the state’s executive branch. The specific responsibilities and powers of…