Learning Objectives

After reading this chapter, you should be able to understand:

  • how the power of governors has changed over the last one hundred years
  • the role of a governor as a state’s chief legislator
  • how governors control state agencies
  • the role of a governor as a state’s chief spokesperson
  • the role of a governor as a state’s party chief
  • how formal and informal powers differ
  • the changing nature of gubernatorial campaigns
  • the roles of other executive and statewide offices