Connecticut Law ARTICLE IV Of the Executive Department
Connecticut Constitution – Article IV: Of the Executive Department
Overview:
Article IV of the Connecticut Constitution outlines the structure, powers, and responsibilities of the Executive Department, focusing on the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, and other executive officers. It establishes how these officials are elected, their powers, terms, and how executive authority is carried out in the state.
Key Sections of Article IV:
Section 1 – Executive Power
The Governor holds the supreme executive power of the state.
Section 2 – Term and Election
The Governor and Lieutenant Governor are elected by the people for a four-year term.
Elections are held every even-numbered year, starting from 1876.
Section 3 – Qualifications
A candidate for Governor or Lieutenant Governor must:
Be a qualified elector of the state.
Be at least 30 years old.
Have been a resident of Connecticut for at least one year.
Section 4 – Oath of Office
Before entering office, the Governor must take an oath or affirmation to faithfully discharge the duties of the office.
Section 5 – Powers and Duties of the Governor
The Governor shall:
Ensure that the laws are faithfully executed.
Serve as commander-in-chief of the state’s military forces.
Convene the General Assembly on extraordinary occasions.
Adjourn the legislature when the two chambers disagree on adjournment.
Recommend measures to the legislature.
Grant reprieves after conviction (except in impeachment cases), and, with legislative consent, may grant pardons.
Section 6 – Vacancy
If the office of Governor becomes vacant, the Lieutenant Governor becomes Governor.
If both the Governor and Lieutenant Governor offices are vacant, the President pro tempore of the Senate assumes the role until a new Governor is elected or appointed.
Section 7 – Lieutenant Governor's Duties
The Lieutenant Governor:
Serves as the President of the Senate but votes only to break a tie.
Takes over the Governor’s duties if the Governor is absent, incapacitated, or if the office becomes vacant.
Section 8 – Appointments
The Governor nominates and appoints certain officers, subject to the advice and consent of the General Assembly.
Section 9 – Seal of the State
The Governor keeps the Great Seal of the State and uses it for official documents and commissions.
✅ Summary:
Article IV of the Connecticut Constitution clearly defines the executive leadership of the state:
Establishes the Governor as the chief executive.
Provides for a Lieutenant Governor with legislative and executive roles.
Includes checks and balances via legislative approval of appointments.
Sets rules for succession and vacancies to ensure continuity.
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