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Your Government

Massachusetts Government: Executive Branch

The executive branch manages the business of the Commonwealth.

Governor:

  • Is the chief executive officer of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts

  • Prepares a state budget

  • Can veto or reduce a budget item

  • Can veto bills

  • Writes and asks for amendments to bills

  • Presides over the Governor's Council with no vote

  • Appoints judges

  • Grants pardons

  • Appoints department heads and members of boards and commissions. Serves as commander-in-chief of Massachusetts National Guard.

  • Salary: $90,000

  • Visit the Governor's Site

Lieutenant Governor:

  • Presides in the event of absence, death or disability of governor.

  • Assists in administration of executive agencies

  • Votes as a member of the Governor's Council; acts as non-voting president when the governor is absent.

  • Salary: $75,000

  • Visit the Lieutenant Governor's site

Secretary of the Commonwealth:

Attorney General:

  • Is the chief law enforcement officer. Advises and represents the Commonwealth, giving legal opinions and serving as its lawyer in court

  • Oversees the consumer and environmental protection departments

  • Is a member of the Massachusetts Bar

  • Salary: $80,000

  • Visit the Attorney General's site

Treasurer and Receiver General:

  • Collects, takes care of and gives out state funds

  • Issues state bonds and decides the investment policy of the state

  • Salary: $75,000

  • Visit the Treasurer's site

Auditor:

  • Conducts audits of state funds to make sure they have been given out legally and accounted for properly.

  • Salary $75,000

  • Visit the Auditor's site

Governor's Cabinet:

  • These dozen or so executive administrators oversee the operations of the departments of Massachusetts and advise the governor.

  • They are appointed by the governor and accountable to him or her.

  • Visit the Governor's Cabinet

All of the above officers are elected to four-year terms

Governor's Council:

  • In colonial times this executive council was established to act as a check on the governor, who was appointed by the English Crown.

  • The council has eight elected members in addition to the lieutenant governor.

  • Members are elected for two-year terms.

  • The council approves the governor's judicial appointments and pardons, as well as expenditures from the treasury, including purchases of land.

  • Salary: $15,600