Role
The governor is directly elected by the voters to become the political and ceremonial head of the sovereign state. The governor performs the executive functions of the state, and is not directly subordinate to the federal authorities. The governor assumes additional roles, such as being the Commander-in-Chief of the New Jersey National Guard forces (when they are not federalized).
The Governor of New Jersey is considered one of the most powerful governorships in the nation as it is currently the only state-wide (non-federal) elected executive office in the state. Thus, unlike many other states that have elections for some cabinet-level positions, under the New Jersey State Constitution the governor appoints the entire cabinet, subject to confirmation by the New Jersey Senate. More importantly, under the New Jersey constitution, the governor appoints all superior court judges and county prosecutors, although this is done with strong consideration of the preferences of the individual state senators who represent the district where vacancies arise.
The Governor is also responsible for appointing two constitutionally created officers, the New Jersey Attorney General and the New Jersey Secretary of State, with the approval of the senate.
The governor serves a four-year term, with no limit on total terms but no more than two terms in a row. State law allows for a maximum salary of $175,000. Jon Corzine accepted a token salary of $1 per year as Governor. Jim McGreevey, his predecessor, took home an annual salary of $157,000.
The Executive Mansion and ceremonial residence of the governor is Drumthwacket, located in the Township of Princeton. Some governors have chosen to either live in the mansion part-time or in their own homes.
Read more about this topic: Governor Of New Jersey
Famous quotes containing the word role:
“The Declaration [of Independence] was not a protest against government, but against the excess of government. It prescribed the proper role of government, to secure the rights of individuals and to effect their safety and happiness. In modern society, no individual can do this alone. So government is not a necessary evil but a necessary good.”
—Gerald R. Ford (b. 1913)
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—Selma H. Fraiberg (20th century)
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—Leon Trotsky (1879–1940)