Governor of New Jersey facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Governor of New Jersey |
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| Style |
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| Residence | Drumthwacket |
| Seat | Trenton, New Jersey |
| Term length | Four years, renewable once consecutively |
| Constituting instrument | New Jersey Constitution of 1776 |
| Precursor | Governor of New Jersey (Great Britain) |
| Inaugural holder | William Livingston |
| Formation | August 31, 1776 |
| Deputy | Lieutenant Governor of New Jersey |
| Salary | $175,000 |
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The governor of New Jersey is the main leader of the state of New Jersey. This job is chosen by voters and lasts for four years. A governor can serve two terms in a row. After that, they can run again later, but not right away.
The governor's official home is Drumthwacket. This large house is in Princeton, New Jersey. The governor's office is in the New Jersey State House in Trenton. It's special because the governor's office is in the same building as the state's lawmakers. Also, New Jersey is one of the few states where the governor's home is not in the capital city.
William Livingston was New Jersey's first governor. He served for a long time, from 1776 to 1790. The current governor is Phil Murphy. He is the 56th governor and started his term on January 16, 2018.
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What the Governor Does
The governor is chosen by the people of New Jersey. They are the main political and ceremonial leader of the state. The governor handles the state's daily operations. They are not directly controlled by the national government.
Leading the State Government
The governor has many important jobs. They are the commander-in-chief of the New Jersey National Guard. This means they lead the state's military forces when they are not working for the national government.
In New Jersey, only the governor and the lieutenant governor are elected by all the voters in the state. In many other states, more officials are elected.
Appointing Key Officials
Like the president of the United States, the governor chooses all the people who work in the state's main departments. These people form the governor's "cabinet." The New Jersey Senate must approve these choices.
The governor also picks all the state's top judges and county prosecutors. They usually listen to the state senators from the areas where these jobs are open. The governor also appoints the Attorney General and the secretary of state of New Jersey. The Senate must approve these choices too.
Governor's Salary
Since 2002, the governor can earn up to $175,000 per year. Governor Phil Murphy accepts this full salary. Some past governors have chosen to take less money. For example, Jon Corzine took only $1 per year.
Security for the Governor
While in office, the governor has a special security team. This team is from the New Jersey State Police. After leaving office, a former governor gets a smaller security team for up to six months.
Oath of Office
When a new governor starts their job, they take an oath. This is a special promise they make. It shows they will do their best for the state.
The oath says: "I, [name of governor], elected governor of the state of New Jersey, do solemnly promise and swear that I will diligently, faithfully and to the best of my knowledge, execute the said office in conformity with the powers delegated to me; and that I will to the utmost of my skill and ability, promote the peace and prosperity and maintain the lawful rights of the said state. So help me God."
Lieutenant Governor of New Jersey
In 2005, voters in New Jersey made a change to the state's constitution. They created the job of Lieutenant Governor of New Jersey. This new role started with the elections in 2009.
Why the Lieutenant Governor Job Was Created
Before 2005, if the governor's office became empty, the leader of the New Jersey Senate would become acting governor. This person would then have a lot of power in both the law-making and leadership parts of the government.
This change happened because two governors, Christine Todd Whitman and Jim McGreevey, resigned. This meant the Senate President, Richard Codey, had to serve as governor twice. The new rule made sure there was a clear second-in-command.
Who Has Served as Lieutenant Governor
Kim Guadagno was the first lieutenant governor of New Jersey. She started in 2010 with Governor Chris Christie. After her, Sheila Oliver became lieutenant governor in 2018 with Governor Phil Murphy. Sadly, Sheila Oliver passed away in August 2023. Governor Murphy then chose Tahesha Way to be the third lieutenant governor in September 2023.
Studying New Jersey Governors
In 2005, a special center was created at Rutgers University. It's called the Center on the American Governor. This center studies the governors of New Jersey. It also looks at governors in other states.
The center has many old documents and pictures. These are from the time when governors like Brendan Byrne, Thomas Kean, James Florio, Christine Todd Whitman, and Jon Corzine were in office. They also have videos of interviews with people who worked for these governors. This helps people learn more about how governors lead the state.
See also
- Governorship of Phil Murphy
- List of colonial governors of New Jersey
- List of governors of New Jersey (1776–present)
Images for kids
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