Governor

In Missouri, the governor is the highest elected official in the Executive Branch. The Executive Branch of government is in charge of enforcing laws made by the Legislative Branch. Some of the governor's powers include choosing directors of state agencies, selecting citizens for boards and official groups, and filling empty positions in county offices. The governor also appoints judges. The governor acts as the commander-in-chief of the Missouri National Guard. The governor also has the power to pardon individuals who have committed crimes, call special sessions for the legislature, and activate the National Guard for state emergencies.

Each January the governor delivers a speech called the "State of the State" to the Missouri Legislature and submits a state budget. After the legislature passes a bill, the governor has the power to sign the bill into law or prevent it from becoming a law by vetoing it. When the governor vetoes a bill, the legislature can pass it anyway if 2/3 of both houses vote for it.

The Missouri Constitution says the governor must be at least 30 years old, a U.S. citizen for 15 years, and a resident of Missouri for 10 years. The governor may only serve two four-year terms.