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Georgia's statewide constitutional officers are elected officials who serve in the executive branch of the state government. The executive branch is the largest of Georgia's three branches of government, with the Georgia Constitution naming eight officers elected by Georgia voters to lead agencies responsible for enforcing state laws and executing programs in areas such as education, elections, and law enforcement. These officers include the governor, lieutenant governor, attorney general, secretary of state, and more, with elections occurring every four years for a maximum of two terms.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of statewide constitutional officers | 8 |
| Main executive official and head of state | Governor |
| Governor's term length | 4 years |
| Maximum number of terms for Governor | 2 |
| Election method | Elected by Georgia voters |
| Other elected members of the executive branch | Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General, Secretary of State, Superintendent of Public Instruction, Agriculture Commissioner, Insurance Commissioner, Labor Commissioner, Public Service Commissioner |
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What You'll Learn
Georgia's executive branch
The other elected members of the executive branch include the lieutenant governor, attorney general, secretary of state, agriculture commissioner, insurance commissioner, labour commissioner, and superintendent of public instruction. These officials are responsible for various aspects of the state's administration and governance, working alongside the governor to enforce state laws and implement policies.
The executive branch in Georgia operates within a system of checks and balances, ensuring that no single branch, political party, or individual holds all the power. This structure mirrors the federal level, where the US Constitution establishes a separation of powers among the legislative, executive, and judicial branches. Georgia's judicial branch, overseen by the Judicial Council, is responsible for interpreting state laws and administering justice through the legal system.
The specific duties and responsibilities of Georgia's executive branch officials are outlined in the state's constitution, particularly in Articles 5 and 6, which provide the framework for the executive branch's organisation and functions. Elections for these executive offices are held periodically, with varying frequencies, to ensure democratic representation and accountability.
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Governor
The Governor of Georgia is the chief executive of the state and oversees the executive branch of Georgia's three-pronged government structure. The Governor is elected by the people of Georgia and holds office for a term of four years, with a maximum of two consecutive terms. However, a two-term governor can run for reelection after sitting out for a minimum of four years.
The Governor's responsibilities include overseeing government budgets, serving as the chief law enforcement officer, and being the commander-in-chief of the state's military forces. They propose laws and have the power to veto legislation, although the Georgia General Assembly can override this with a two-thirds majority in each chamber. The Governor's role is similar to that of the United States President in terms of enforcing laws, as they ensure that "the laws are faithfully executed" and act as the "conservator of the peace" in the state.
To be eligible for the office of Governor, candidates must be at least thirty years old, have been a U.S. citizen for fifteen years, and have resided in Georgia for six years prior to the election. The current Governor of Georgia is Brian P. Kemp.
The office of governor in Georgia has a long history, dating back to the state's founding as a British colony in 1733. General James Oglethorpe, the founder of the Georgia colony, is considered the first executive officer, although he never held the title of Governor.
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Lieutenant governor
The Lieutenant Governor of Georgia is the second-highest elected official in the state and the President of the Senate. The Lieutenant Governor presides over debates in the Senate chamber and works with advocates to introduce legislation. In the event that the Governor is incapacitated, the Lieutenant Governor assumes executive powers until the Governor recovers or the gubernatorial term expires.
The Lieutenant Governor of Georgia has a range of duties and responsibilities. One of their primary roles is to represent and serve the people of Georgia, working towards improving the lives of all Georgians. This includes focusing on economic development, creating jobs, and supporting businesses. For example, Lieutenant Governor Burt Jones, a successful businessman and community leader, has a proven record of creating jobs and growing successful businesses, which has resulted in delivering results for Georgia families.
Another key area of focus for the Lieutenant Governor is education. They work towards improving the state's education system, empowering parents and teachers, and ensuring that all students have access to a high-quality education. This includes efforts to expand educational opportunities, such as through the establishment of career and technical colleges.
The Lieutenant Governor also plays a crucial role in public safety and law enforcement. They work closely with law enforcement agencies to strengthen public safety, make communities safer, and combat violent crime. Additionally, the Lieutenant Governor provides assistance and guidance to state agencies on unresolved issues, ensuring that the needs of Georgians are met.
The Lieutenant Governor of Georgia is an important position that wields significant influence in the state. By presiding over the Senate and introducing legislation, the Lieutenant Governor shapes the state's policies and works towards a better future for Georgia.
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Attorney general
The Attorney General is one of the statewide constitutional officers in Georgia. The Attorney General's Office provides legal representation to the executive branch and prosecutes violent crime across the state. The Attorney General is the chief legal adviser for the Governor, as well as for all state agencies, boards, and commissions. The office represents the State of Georgia in all civil cases before any court and in all cases before the Supreme Court of the United States.
The Attorney General also prepares contracts and agreements, prosecutes public corruption cases, and oversees the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit. They cannot, by law, provide legal advice to private citizens. The Attorney General's Office also has a Consumer Protection Division, which handles complaints from citizens.
The Attorney General of Georgia is elected by the people of Georgia and serves in the executive branch, leading agencies responsible for enforcing state laws and carrying out programs like education, elections, and law enforcement. The executive branch is the largest of Georgia's three branches of state government, and it is governed by Article V of the Georgia Constitution.
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Secretary of state
The secretary of state of Georgia is an elected official with a variety of responsibilities. The current secretary of state for Georgia is Brad Raffensperger. The office has had a four-year term since 1946. Before 1880, the secretary of state was elected by the Georgia Assembly, not in a popular election.
The secretary of state registers voters, tracks annual corporate filings, grants professional licenses, and oversees the state's securities market. Running for public office requires following a number of steps, and a business structure must be determined. Registered voters can view their sample ballots before an election. They also have the option to vote by absentee ballot, in person before Election Day, or in person on Election Day.
The secretary of state also supervises elections and maintains public records. They lead agencies responsible for enforcing state laws and carrying out programs like education, elections, and law enforcement.
To work in Georgia, certain professions require a license or certification. A corporation is a type of business entity with limited liability, separate from its owners, the shareholders. A limited partnership (LP) is a business structure composed of general and limited partners. A limited liability company (LLC) is a business structure that offers limited personal liability for the owner.
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Frequently asked questions
The statewide constitutional officers in Georgia include the governor, lieutenant governor, attorney general, secretary of state, superintendent of public instruction, agriculture commissioner, insurance commissioner, labor commissioner, and public service commissioner.
The governor is the main executive official and head of state in Georgia. They are 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, and is in charge of nominating officials to positions in state government.
There are eight statewide constitutional officers in Georgia who are elected by all Georgia voters to serve in the executive branch.
The qualifications to run for governor in Georgia are not mentioned, however, it is noted that the governor is elected to a four-year term with a maximum of two consecutive terms.
There were no state executive elections in Georgia in 2023 and 2025. The next state executive offices up for election in Georgia will be in 2024.
