Administrative Responsibilities

• The governor has the ability to rearrange state agencies, offices and departments for maximum efficiency and to enforce the changes with executive orders. In addition, the governor acts as the supervisor for state officials and department heads, with the power to investigate misconduct and dismiss corrupt officials. He also has the ability to appoint new officials to fill vacancies, though the candidate is subject to approval from the state senate. However, unlike the federal executive branch, the governor does not have the ability to appoint the secretary of state, attorney general or the Michigan supreme court justices since the constitution requires an election to fill these positions.
  
  

Legislative Responsibilities

• It is the responsibility of the governor to sign bills into law or veto bills, though the legislature can still pass the bill if they reach a two-thirds vote in both chambers. In addition to vetoing powers, the governor can call the legislature to the capital for a special session if there is a crisis or business that needs immediate action. The governor has the power to call for elections to fill vacancies in the legislature.
  
  

Fiscal Responsibilities

• The governor must write and submit a state budget to the legislature annually. It will include state revenue figures, operational costs, funding cuts or increases, and available surplus funds. The governor may need to add amendments or change the budget completely to get approval from both chambers. There must be an approved budget before the end of Michigan's fiscal year on Sept. 30.
  
  

Executive Responsibilities

• The governor acts as the state's commander-in-chief and has the authority to call the military "to execute the laws, suppress insurrection and repel invasion." The governor has no control over federal military or reserve troops; but, the governor may call up the National Guard in times of crisis.
  
  The governor may also issue pardons, reprieves and commutations to prisoners in state correctional facilities only.