Missouri Constitution Article IV - Executive Department
Missouri Constitution – Article IV: Executive Department
Article IV of the Missouri Constitution establishes and governs the Executive Branch of the state government. It outlines the structure, powers, and duties of the Governor and other key executive officers.
🔹 Key Sections and Summary of Article IV:
Section 1 – Executive power
The executive power is vested in the Governor.
Section 2 – Governor: Term and Qualifications
The Governor serves a 4-year term and must be:
At least 30 years old,
A U.S. citizen for 15 years,
A Missouri resident for 10 years.
Section 3 – Governor: Powers and Duties
The Governor is the chief executive officer, responsible for:
Enforcing state laws,
Calling the General Assembly into special session,
Granting reprieves and pardons (except in cases of impeachment),
Approving or vetoing bills.
Section 4 – Lieutenant Governor
Elected separately.
Serves as President of the Senate.
Assumes the Governor’s duties if the Governor is unable to serve.
Sections 12–18 – Other Executive Officers
Include the Secretary of State, State Auditor, State Treasurer, and Attorney General.
Each has specific duties and is elected for a 4-year term (except Auditor, who may have other terms depending on revisions).
Section 22 – Departments of the Executive Branch
Allows the reorganization of executive agencies.
Creates state departments under the Governor’s supervision to enhance efficiency.
Budget and Fiscal Responsibilities (Sections 23–28)
The Governor must present an annual budget.
Procedures are defined for how funds are appropriated and spent.
Limits are placed on state borrowing and debt.
Boards and Commissions
Article IV also authorizes the creation of several boards and commissions, such as:
Conservation Commission
Highways and Transportation Commission
Department of Natural Resources
Others related to agriculture, veterans’ affairs, and tourism
🧾 Main Functions Established in Article IV:
Defines the structure and accountability of the executive branch.
Protects against abuse by requiring elections, qualifications, and term limits.
Empowers the Governor while distributing executive duties across independently elected officials and agencies.
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