Governor (Astoria)

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 This article is part of Altverse II.
This article is part of a series on the
Politics of Astoria
Astorian Coat of Arms.svg

In the Republic of Astoria, a governor serves as the executive head of state and head of government for each of the twelve states of Astoria, with powers similar to those of the President of Astoria at the federal level. Governors oversee the executive branch within their respective states and are responsible for functions such as vetoing legislation and creating state budgets. These powers are defined by each state’s constitution, which must align with the federal constitution.

Specific powers and responsibilities of governors in Astoria are defined by each state's constitution, allowing for some variation in the scope of their authority. However, the fundamental role of a governor is to provide leadership, uphold the rule of law, and ensure the effective functioning of state government.

Governors, in the majority of states, are directly elected by the citizens of their states. Elected alongside a lieutenant governor, the lieutenant governor acts as the deputy officer of the governor. Most states limit executive terms to two consecutive terms, with some states allowing former governors to return after a break in consecutive terms. However, four states do not have an independent executive; instead, they have a premier selected from the legislature or a directorial council appointed based on legislative proportions. In states where the executive is not independent from the legislature, no term limits are imposed.

Powers and roles

Governors exercise significant executive power, including the appointment of state officials and members of their cabinet. They are tasked with ensuring the proper implementation of state policies and the effective management of the state's executive branch. They have the authority to propose legislation and possess the power to veto bills passed by the state legislature. While their veto can typically be overridden by a legislative supermajority, governors play a key role in shaping the legislative agenda and influencing state policy.

Governors are responsible for preparing and submitting the state budget, which outlines the allocation of state resources and expenditures. This role includes managing state finances and ensuring that spending aligns with the administration's priorities. As commanders-in-chief of their state's National Militia, governors have the authority to deploy these forces during emergencies, such as natural disasters or civil unrest. They also oversee state law enforcement agencies and are integral in maintaining public safety. Governors hold the power to grant pardons, commutations, and reprieves for state offenses. Additionally, they appoint judges to state courts, allowing them to influence the judiciary's composition and direction.

Term limits

Main article: Term limits in Astoria

In eight states governors can only serve for two consecutive terms; Clackamas, Pocatello, Yakima, Monatoga, North Columbia, South Columbia, Tahoma and Willamette. Four states do not have an independent executive, three choose a member of the legislative body to sit as premier (Vancouver, Victoria, and Nechako). Olympia also lacks a governor, premier and term limits, rather the legislature nominates eligible citizens to sit on the directorial council. Appointments are made according to the party's proportional power in the legislature. In the states of Clackamas, Yakima, Tahoma and Willamette, eligible citizens may serve twice, retire for one term and then serve for another two consecutive terms. In all states no limit exists on how many times an individual may appear on an election ballot.

History

Main articles: 1867 Astorian referendum and Constitutional Assembly of Astoria § Second Secession
See also: Clackamas § History, Pocatello § History, Victoria § History, and Yakima § History

The office of the governor was established alongside the creation of the states in 1870 as territorial polities and constituents of the federation. Each state was granted a level of sovereignty under the federal constitution and the 1867 referendum, allowing them to establish their own constitutions, legislatures, and executives. Prior to the establishment of the first gubernatorial office, four territorial governors were appointed by the Constitutional Assembly to serve as the temporary executives of the territories charged with the duty of organizing the constitutions and their ratification prior to March 1870. The first governors of Astoria were elected in the 1872 gubernatorial elections. For most of the 19th century the Frontier Party dominated the governor offices of Pocatello, Yakima and Clackamas.

In the first 1870 state constitutions the roles of the governor were defined as the executive head of state and government, with powers similar to those of the president but tailored to the needs and circumstances of each state. Governors were initially entrusted with minor executive authority. Prior to 1921, governors were more limited in their powers as they served as governors of divisible territories. Sheriffs and local county officials by constitutional law held more power from 1870 to 1921, which spurred jurisdictional issues.

In eight states—Clackamas, Pocatello, Yakima, Monatoga, North Columbia, South Columbia, Tahoma, and Willamette—governors were restricted in the 1930s and 1940s to serving only two consecutive terms. Four states—Vancouver, Victoria, Nechako, and Olympia opted for alternative governance models in 1921. Elected members of the legislative bodies of Vancouver, Victoria, and Nechako to serve as their executives known as premiers. Olympia established a directorial council nominated by the legislature in its first constitution, known as the State Council of Olympia. Prior to 1921, all states had an independent judiciary, executive and legislature.

First Governors of the States of Astoria
Elected 1872

List of governors and other heads of government

Demographics

Partisan

Religion

Race

See also

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