North Carolina Constitution Article III, Executive
North Carolina Constitution – Article III: Executive
Article III of the North Carolina Constitution outlines the structure, powers, and duties of the Executive Branch of state government. It establishes the offices of the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, and other executive officials, and defines how executive power is administered in the state.
🔹 Key Provisions of Article III:
Section 1: Executive Power
The executive power of the state is vested in the Governor.
The Governor is the chief executive officer responsible for ensuring laws are faithfully executed.
Section 2: Governor and Lieutenant Governor
Governor and Lieutenant Governor are elected every 4 years by the voters.
They must be at least 30 years old, a citizen of the U.S., and a resident of North Carolina for 2 years.
A Governor may serve no more than two consecutive terms.
Section 3: Succession
If the Governor dies, resigns, is removed, or is otherwise unable to serve, the Lieutenant Governor succeeds to the office.
If both the Governor and Lieutenant Governor are unable to serve, succession continues through other officers as provided by law.
Section 5: Commander-in-Chief
The Governor is Commander-in-Chief of the state’s military forces, except when they are called into federal service.
Section 6: Execution of Laws
The Governor is responsible for faithfully executing state laws.
Section 7: State Budget
The Governor prepares and presents the state budget to the General Assembly and ensures it is administered properly.
Section 8: Veto Power
The Governor has veto authority over bills passed by the General Assembly, except for joint resolutions and certain appropriations.
The legislature can override a veto with a three-fifths majority in both chambers.
Section 10: Appointments
The Governor makes appointments to boards, commissions, and executive departments, subject to legislative confirmation in some cases.
Section 7A: Council of State
The Council of State consists of elected executive officers, including:
Governor
Lieutenant Governor
Secretary of State
State Auditor
State Treasurer
Superintendent of Public Instruction
Attorney General
Commissioner of Agriculture
Commissioner of Labor
Commissioner of Insurance
Each has specific constitutional or statutory duties, and they are elected for 4-year terms.
🧾 Summary:
Article III ensures a clear separation of executive authority, headed by the Governor, and supported by a Council of State. It provides for checks and balances through the veto power and succession planning, while maintaining democratic accountability through direct elections.
RELATED Blog
0 comments