Governor of South Dakota - Powers and Duties

Powers and Duties

The governor holds numerous powers and duties, which in many ways are analogous to those held by the President of the United States:

• The governor serves as a spokesman for the state, promoting business and economic development interests.
• The governor is actively involved in the legislative process; he may introduce legislation, and has the power to veto bills passed by the legislature (though vetoes may be overridden by a two-thirds vote of each house).
• The governor oversees the executive branch, and appoints the members of his cabinet. The governor also appoints the members of a wide array of state boards and commissions.
• The governor is the commander-in-chief of the South Dakota National Guard.
• The governor may grant pardons to those convicted of criminal offenses under state law.
• The governor fills vacancies that occur in the state legislature, the state judiciary, and other state constitutional offices. The governor also fills vacancies in U.S. Senate seats from South Dakota.
• The governor is the titular head of his political party.