Eleanor Finch
Georgia's executive branch is the largest of the state's three branches of government, with over 100,000 employees. The current Georgia Constitution, adopted in 1983, establishes a system of shared power between the governor and other elected officials. The governor, currently Brian Kemp, is the chief executive and head of state, serving a four-year term with a maximum of two consecutive terms. Other elected members of the executive branch include the lieutenant governor, secretary of state, attorney general, state school superintendent, and commissioners of agriculture, insurance, and labour. These officials lead agencies responsible for enforcing state laws and administering vital state interests, such as education, public health, and transportation. The governor also oversees the state budget, nominates officials for state government positions, and interacts with other state leaders and the federal government.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of branches of Georgia's state government | 3 |
| Main executive official and head of state | Governor (currently Brian Kemp) |
| Governor's term length | 4 years |
| Maximum number of consecutive terms for governor | 2 |
| Number of employees in the executive branch | >100,000 |
| Number of elected constitutional executive officers | 8 |
| Lieutenant Governor | Burt Jones |
| Secretary of State | Brad Raffensperger |
| Attorney General | Chris Carr |
| State School Superintendent | Richard Woods |
| Commissioners of Agriculture, Insurance, and Labor | Tyler Harper, John F. King, and Bruce Thompson, respectively |
| Georgia Public Service Commission | 5 members |
| Governor's roles | Commander of Georgia State Patrol and Georgia National Guard, ceremonial leader, legislative leader, intergovernmental middleman |
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What You'll Learn
The Governor of Georgia
The governor shares control over the administration of the government with other constitutionally mandated officials. These officials are separately elected by the people and are not required to share the governor's political philosophy or be from the same party. The governor works closely with the lieutenant governor, who plays an important role in the legislative process and the state senate. In the event of a vacancy in the governor's office, the lieutenant governor becomes the chief executive until the next general election.
The governor has formal powers that enable them to exert influence and leadership in various avenues. One of their critical roles is serving as the ceremonial leader or head of state, a highly visible position that commands media attention. The governor also sets forth a legislative agenda, initiates the state budget, and signs or vetoes bills. Additionally, the governor serves as the commander of the Georgia National Guard. They interact with other state leaders, agencies, cities, states, and the federal government, acting as an intergovernmental middleman.
The governor oversees the formulation of state budget recommendations and coordinates with various elected officers and appointed administrators. They are responsible for nominating officials to positions in state government, subject to the approval of the Georgia General Assembly.
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The Lieutenant Governor
Unlike candidates for vice president of the United States, Georgia's lieutenant governor candidates do not run on a ticket system. Instead, they stand for election independently, which means the governor and lieutenant governor may be of different political parties. This unique position in both the executive and legislative branches allows the lieutenant governor to impede a governor's legislative agenda if they do not have a compatible working relationship.
A candidate for lieutenant governor must be at least thirty years old upon assuming office, a U.S. citizen for a minimum of fifteen years, and a resident of Georgia for at least six years before the election. The term of office is four years, and there is no limit to the number of times they may be re-elected.
The current Lieutenant Governor of Georgia is Burt Jones, who assumed office in 2023. Jones has stated his priorities as lowering state income tax, improving the state's education system, and making communities safer by working with law enforcement to crack down on violent crime.
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The Secretary of State
The current secretary of state in Georgia is Brad Raffensperger. Before 1880, the secretary of state was elected by the Georgia Assembly, not in a popular election. The secretary of state holds substantive control over the administration of a vital state interest. One of the key responsibilities of the secretary of state's office is overseeing elections. For instance, registered voters in Georgia can choose to vote by absentee ballot, or in person before or on Election Day.
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The Attorney General
The current Attorney General of Georgia is Christopher M. Carr, who was first appointed by Governor Nathan Deal in 2016 and subsequently re-elected in 2018 and 2022. The office of the Attorney General dates back to Georgia's colonial history, with the first Attorney General, William Clifton (or Clinton, according to some sources), appointed by King George II in 1754. The office was officially established in Georgia's first constitution of 1777.
The Georgia Department of Law, established in 1931, assists the Attorney General in their duties. The Department provides legal representation to the agencies, officers, and employees of the state government. In modern times, the office of the Attorney General has a more constrained jurisdiction, with a significant function being the provision of legal advice through official and unofficial opinions.
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The State School Superintendent
One of the primary responsibilities of the State School Superintendent is to "carry out and enforce all the rules and regulations of the State Board of Education and the laws governing the schools receiving state aid." They are also directed to make recommendations to the board on matters related to the "welfare and efficiency" of the public school system. The superintendent's role is crucial in ensuring the effective administration and management of the state's public education system, and they work closely with the governor and other elected officials to coordinate and govern the state's educational policies and initiatives.
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Frequently asked questions
The executive branch is responsible for enforcing state laws and carrying out programs like education, elections, and law enforcement. It is the largest of Georgia's three branches of state government.
The governor, currently Brian Kemp, is the main executive official and head of state. The governor is elected to a four-year term and can serve a maximum of two consecutive terms.
The governor oversees the state budget, leads an executive branch of more than 100,000 employees, nominates officials to positions in the state government, and commands the Georgia State Patrol and the Georgia National Guard.
There are seven other popularly elected executive officials: the lieutenant governor, the secretary of state, the attorney general, the state school superintendent, and the commissioners of agriculture, insurance, and labor.
The candidate must be at least 30 years old, a United States citizen for at least 15 years, and a Georgia resident for a minimum of six years before the election.
