What is a governor's job?

The governor is responsible for the well-being of his or her state. The details of this job include many hands-on tasks and leadership duties. The governor's executive powers include the appointment and removal of state officials, the supervision of thousands of executive branch staff, the formulation of the state budget, and the leadership of the state militia as its commander in chief. Law-making powers include the power to recommend legislation, to call special sessions of the legislature, and to veto measures passed by the legislature. As of 2008, in 43 states, governors have the power to veto (or reject) several parts of a bill without rejecting it altogether. The governor can also pardon (excuse) a criminal or reduce a criminal's sentence.