Which of the following describes the principal powers of the Governor?

• A. To create laws and set taxes.
• B. To execute faithfully all laws, to sign bills, to grant pardons, call special sessions, make appointments to fill vacancies, and to veto bills.
• C. To appoint the Chief Justice and override vetoes.
• D. To interpret laws and issue rulings on constitutional questions.

Answer: (B)

The Governor’s main job is to be the chief executive, so the powers you focus on are those that run the state and enforce laws. The core authorities include faithfully executing all laws, signing bills into law, granting pardons, calling special legislative sessions, making appointments to fill vacancies, and vetoing bills. These powers let the governor implement policy, manage the state’s leadership, and respond to issues as they arise. Other options mix in duties from other branches: creating laws and setting taxes are legislative tasks, not executive; overriding vetoes isn’t a governor power, since vetoes are checked by the legislature; and interpreting laws or issuing constitutional rulings is a judiciary function.