Alabama Constitution Section 117 - Qualifications of governor and lieutenant governor, lieutenant governor ex officio president of senate.
Here is the full explanation of Alabama Constitution – Section 117 in a clear and structured format:
📜 Alabama Constitution – Section 117
🔹 Text Summary:
Section 117 outlines the qualifications for both the Governor and Lieutenant Governor of Alabama, and states that the Lieutenant Governor shall serve ex officio as President of the Senate.
🔹 Qualifications for Governor and Lieutenant Governor:
To be eligible to serve as either the Governor or Lieutenant Governor of Alabama, a person must:
Be at least 30 years old
This age requirement ensures a baseline of maturity and life experience.
Have been a citizen of the United States for at least 10 years
Demonstrates loyalty and sufficient familiarity with the U.S. political system.
Have resided in the state of Alabama for at least 7 years immediately preceding the election
Ensures a strong connection to Alabama and knowledge of its local issues and governance.
These criteria apply equally to both the Governor and Lieutenant Governor.
🔹 Lieutenant Governor's Role in the Legislature:
The Lieutenant Governor serves as the President of the Alabama Senate, ex officio, meaning “by virtue of the office.”
This role includes:
Presiding over the Alabama Senate:
The lieutenant governor acts as the leader of the Senate’s daily operations.
Maintaining order and guiding debate:
They enforce rules, recognize speakers, and manage votes.
Casting tie-breaking votes:
The lieutenant governor does not normally vote on legislation, but can vote in case of a tie, giving them important power in close decisions.
🧠 Key Terms Explained:
"Ex officio": A Latin term meaning “by virtue of the office”—they hold a particular role (like Senate President) because of the position they were elected to (Lieutenant Governor).
✅ In Summary:
| Requirement/Role | Governor | Lieutenant Governor |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Age | 30 years | 30 years |
| U.S. Citizenship Duration | 10 years | 10 years |
| Alabama Residency | 7 years | 7 years |
| Presides over Senate (Ex Officio) | ❌ | ✅ Yes |
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