Governor of Maresia

The Governor of Maresia is the chief executive of the Commonwealth of Maresia and is elected on a separate ballot from the Lieutenant Governor for a four-year term, which is limited to two terms. The Governor is responsible for the administration of the state government and the enforcement of state laws. The Governor is also the commander-in-chief of the state's military forces and has the power to call up the state's National Guard in times of emergency. The current holder of the office is Cauã Corrêa, who was sworn in on 5 January 2032 as the 56th Governor of Maresia. His term will expire on 7 January 2036. Corrêa is a member of the Social Democracy Party and was elected to the office on 6 October 2031, to succeed fellow party member Anteros Ballas.

The Governor of Maresia is responsible for presenting the state budget to the Legislature, as well as signing or vetoing legislation passed by the Legislature. The Governor also has the power to grant pardons, reprieves, and commutations to individuals convicted of crimes in the state. They are assisted in his or her duties by a cabinet of elected officials who head various state agencies and departments. These officials are directly elected by the citizens of the Commonwealth, but typically fall closely in alignment with the Governor.

History
The office of the Governor of Maresia has a rich history, dating back to the state's founding in 1711. Maresia was the first state in Cartadania to elect a female Governor, which happened only in its third election after joining the union, in 1719. Since then, the state has had a number of notable Governors who have left their mark on Maresia's history and helped to shape the state's government and policies.

Throughout its history, the Governorship of Maresia has played a pivotal role in the state's political and economic development. Many Governors have championed policies to promote trade, tourism, and cultural preservation. In fact, Maresia is known for its unique blend of Cartadanian and Burgoignac culture, the only state in Cartadania with this history, which has influenced its governance style throughout the years.

The Governor of Maresia is responsible for leading the state's executive branch, which includes overseeing the state's budget and implementing laws passed by the state legislature. The Governor also has the power to veto legislation, though the legislature can override the veto with a two-thirds vote, like in most other states.

Since Maresia values diversity and inclusivity, the state has a history of electing diverse candidates, including the first female Governor in Cartadanian history in 1719. Additionally, unlike many other states in Cartadania, most of the executive officials that comprise the Governor's cabinet are elected by the citizens of Maresia rather than being appointed by the Governor.

Qualifications
The qualifications for the Governor of Maresia are laid out in the state's constitution. To be eligible to run for Governor, a candidate must be at least 30 years old, a citizen of Cartadania and have been a resident of Maresia for at least 5 years prior to the election. Additionally, candidates must not have been convicted of a felony and must be registered to vote in Maresia. The candidate must also have experience in government, law, or public service, and possess the leadership skills necessary to perform the duties of the Governor. These qualifications are shared with the Lieutenant governor, who also must meet this criteria.

Duties and powers
The governor of Maresia has a variety of duties and responsibilities. Some of the most important ones include:


 * Executive power: The governor is the chief executive officer of the state, and as such, has broad powers to manage the executive branch of the government. The governor has the power to issue executive orders, which are directives that have the force of law. These orders can be used to implement policy changes or to address emergency situations.


 * Legislative power: The governor has the ability to propose legislation and to veto bills passed by the state legislature. This power to veto can be overridden by a two-thirds majority vote of both the state Senate and Chamber of Deputies.


 * Budget and finance: The governor is responsible for submitting a budget proposal to the legislature each year and managing the state's finances. The governor can also use his or her veto power to reduce or eliminate appropriations in the state budget.


 * Appointments: The governor has the power to make appointments to a wide range of state offices, including executive branch officials (excluding cabinet) and members of certain boards and commissions (though, the Lieutenant governor makes most of them).


 * State of the Commonwealth address: The governor is required to give an annual State of the Commonwealth address to the legislature, which outlines the governor's priorities and goals for the coming year.


 * Emergency powers: The governor has the power to declare a state of emergency and to take emergency measures to protect public safety and welfare. He or she is the commander-in-chief of the state's National Guard and has the power to activate the Guard in the event of an emergency or disaster.


 * Representing the state: The governor represents the state in official capacities, both within Cartadania and internationally.

In all, the governor is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of the state government, implementing policies and programs, and ensuring that the state is effectively governed in accordance with the law. In addition to these duties and powers, the governor also has the power to pardon individuals who have been convicted of crimes. This power can be used to commute a sentence, reduce a sentence, or grant a full pardon. In practice, this has generally been done in cases that lack substantial evidence, however, what constitutes substantial evidence is not very clear.

Appointments
Per the Constitution of Maresia, the governor has the authority to nominate individuals to fill vacancies in key positions throughout the state government. This formerly included appointments to judgeships, which are crucial for maintaining the integrity of the state's legal system, but has since been transferred to the General Assembly. The governor maintains appointments to executive branch officials, who are responsible for implementing the governor's policies and overseeing the daily operations of state agencies, though in practice, these individuals have been elected.

In addition, the governor also has the power to appoint members of certain boards and commissions, which are responsible for regulating various industries and professions within the state. These boards and commissions play an important role in protecting public health and safety, promoting economic growth, and ensuring that businesses and individuals are held accountable for their actions. The governor's power of appointment is a key tool for shaping the direction of state government and ensuring that it operates effectively and efficiently to meet the needs of the people of Maresia.

Line of succession
The Constitution of Maresia has provided since 1791 for the election of a lieutenant governor of Maresia, who also acts as president of the State Senate, to the same term (keeping the same term lengths as the governor throughout all the constitutional revisions), though the office was not officially inaugurated until 1805. Originally, in the event of the death, resignation, or impeachment of the governor, or absence from the state, the lieutenant governor would take on the governor's duties and powers. Since the 1941 constitution, the lieutenant governor explicitly becomes governor upon such vacancy in the office.

Should the office of lieutenant governor become vacant, the Orator Princeps of the Chamber of Deputies performs the duties of a lieutenant governor until the governor can take back the duties of the office, or the next election; likewise, should both offices become vacant, the Orator Princeps acts as governor, with the office of lieutenant governor remaining vacant. Although no provision exists in the constitution for it, precedent set in 2000 allows the governor to appoint a lieutenant governor should a vacancy occur. Should the Orator Princeps be unable to fulfill the duties, the Orator Pro Tempore of the State Senate is next in the line of succession. The lieutenant governor is elected on a different ticket as the governor, but they are nominated together.

Line of succession:
 * 1) Lieutenant governor of Maresia
 * 2) Orator Princeps of the Chamber of Deputies
 * 3) President Pro Tempore
 * 4) Attorney General
 * 5) Comptroller
 * 6) Superintendent of Education
 * 7) Commissioner of Agriculture and Forestry
 * 8) Commissioner of Health
 * 9) Commissioner of Transportation
 * 10) Commissioner of Revenue
 * 11) Secretary of State