Chapter 8: Executives

Question 1

Appointment powers

Answer 1

A governor’s ability to pick individuals to run state government, such as cabinet secretaries.

Question 2

Bully pulpit

Answer 2

The platform from which a high-profile public official, such as governor or president, commands considerable public and media attention by virtue of holding office.

Question 3

Formal powers

Answer 3

The powers explicitly granted to a governor according to state law, such as being able to veto legislation and to appoint heads of state agencies.

Question 4

Impeachment

Answer 4

A process by which the legislature can remove executive branch officials, such as the governor, or judges from office for corruption or other reasons.

Question 5

Informal powers

Answer 5

The things a governor is able to do, such as command media attention and persuade party members, based on personality or position, not on formal authority.

Question 6

Plural-executive system

Answer 6

A state government system in which the governor is not the dominant figure in the executive branch but, instead, is more of a first among equals, serving alongside numerous other officials who were elected to their offices rather than appointed by the governor.

Question 7

Recall election

Answer 7

A special election allowing voters to remove an elected official from office before the end of their term.

Question 8

Supermajority vote

Answer 8

A legislative vote of much more than a simple majority—for instance, a vote by two-thirds of a legislative chamber to override a governor’s veto.