Governor of Vermont facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Governor of Vermont |
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Arms of the State of Vermont
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| Government of Vermont | |
| Residence | None official |
| Seat | State House (Ceremonial office) The Pavilion (Working office) |
| Nominator | Political parties |
| Appointer | Majority vote |
| Term length | Two years, no term limits |
| Constituting instrument | Constitution of Vermont |
| Precursor | Governor of the Vermont Republic |
| Inaugural holder | Thomas Chittenden |
| Deputy | Lieutenant Governor of Vermont |
| Salary | $142,542 (2013) |
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The governor of Vermont is the main leader of the U.S. state of Vermont. This person is chosen by voters every two years. Vermont and New Hampshire are the only states where governors are elected for two-year terms. In most other states, governors serve for four years.
A governor in Vermont can serve as many terms as they want. There is no limit. If no candidate gets more than half of the votes, the state legislature chooses the governor. The current governor of Vermont is Phil Scott, who is a Republican. He became Vermont's 82nd governor on January 5, 2017.
What Does the Governor Do?
The governor has two offices in Montpelier, the state capital. The main working office is in The Pavilion. The governor also has a special office in the Vermont State House. This office is used during the time when the state legislature is meeting.
The Constitution of Vermont explains the governor's important duties and powers. These include:
- Appointing Officials: The governor can choose and appoint many people to different jobs in the state government.
- Filling Open Jobs: If a job in the government becomes empty, the governor can fill it until a new person is properly chosen.
- Working with Other States: The governor talks and works with leaders from other U.S. states.
- Managing State Business: The governor handles important business with other state officials, both civilian and military.
- Preparing for the Legislature: The governor gets ready important topics and ideas to share with the Vermont General Assembly.
- Granting Pardons: The governor can forgive certain crimes or reduce fines. However, they cannot do this for cases of treason or if someone has been impeached.
- Making Sure Laws Are Followed: The governor's job is to make sure that all state laws are carried out properly.
- Using State Money: The governor can use money from the state Treasury if the Vermont General Assembly has approved it.
- Controlling Trade: Sometimes, the governor can stop goods from being shipped out of the state for a short time (up to 30 days) if the legislature is not meeting.
- Giving Out Licenses: The governor can give out special permits or licenses as allowed by law.
- Calling Special Meetings: If needed, the governor can call the Vermont General Assembly together for special meetings.
- Leading the State's Forces: The governor is the top commander of Vermont's military groups, like the Vermont State Guard and Vermont National Guard. However, they usually need approval from the Vermont Senate to lead in person during a war or rebellion.
Who Takes Over if the Governor Can't Serve?
Vermont also has a lieutenant governor. This person is chosen in a separate election from the governor. If the governor leaves office because they pass away, resign, or are removed, the lieutenant governor becomes the new governor. The lieutenant governor also serves as a leader for the state's military forces.
