South Carolina Constitution Article IV - Executive Department
Article IV of the South Carolina Constitution is titled "Executive Department" and outlines the structure, powers, and responsibilities of the executive branch of the state government. Here's a detailed summary of its key provisions:
🔹 Summary of Article IV – Executive Department (South Carolina Constitution)
Section 1: Governor – Chief Executive
The Governor is the chief executive of the state and is responsible for ensuring that the laws are faithfully executed.
Section 2: Election and Term of Governor and Lieutenant Governor
Both are elected by the people for a four-year term.
They run jointly on the same ticket.
Term limits: A person may not be elected Governor for more than two successive terms.
Section 3: Qualifications
Governor and Lieutenant Governor must:
Be at least 30 years old.
Be a U.S. citizen.
Have been a resident and qualified elector in South Carolina for five years before the election.
Section 4: Duties of the Governor
Ensures that state laws are enforced.
Serves as Commander-in-Chief of the state's military forces.
Can call the General Assembly into session.
Delivers the State of the State address.
Has power to fill vacancies unless otherwise provided by law.
Section 5: Pardons and Reprieves
The Governor has the power to grant reprieves and pardons, except in cases of impeachment.
This is done upon the recommendation of the Department of Probation, Parole, and Pardon Services.
Section 6: Executive Authority Over State Agencies
The Governor may reorganize executive agencies and is responsible for their administration, unless otherwise provided.
Section 7: Veto Power
The Governor can veto legislation.
The General Assembly can override the veto with a two-thirds majority in each chamber.
Section 8: Succession to Office
If the Governor is unable to serve, the Lieutenant Governor assumes the office.
A line of succession is defined in the event of vacancy or incapacity.
Section 9: Impeachment
The Governor and other executive officers can be impeached for serious offenses.
Impeachment is by the House, and trial is by the Senate, requiring a two-thirds vote for conviction.
Section 10: Lieutenant Governor’s Duties
Assumes duties assigned by the Governor or law.
Becomes Governor upon a vacancy.
Section 11: Other Executive Officers
Other constitutional officers include Secretary of State, Treasurer, Attorney General, Comptroller General, Superintendent of Education, Adjutant General, and Commissioner of Agriculture.
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