Oklahoma Constitution Article VI: EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT
Oklahoma Constitution – Article VI: Executive Department – Summary
Article VI of the Oklahoma Constitution outlines the structure, powers, and duties of the Executive Department of the state. Here are the key points:
1. Executive Officers
Article VI establishes the elected executive officials of the state, including:
Governor
Lieutenant Governor
Secretary of State
State Auditor and Inspector
Attorney General
State Treasurer
Superintendent of Public Instruction
Commissioner of Labor
Insurance Commissioner
These officials are elected by the people and serve four-year terms.
2. Governor’s Powers and Duties
The Governor is the chief executive of the state and has several key powers:
Enforces state laws
Can grant pardons, reprieves, and commutations (with advice from the Pardon and Parole Board)
Serves as commander-in-chief of the state military forces
Delivers an annual State of the State address
Can convene the Legislature in special sessions
Has veto power, including a line-item veto on appropriations bills
3. Lieutenant Governor
Serves as the President of the Senate
Acts as Governor when the Governor is absent or incapacitated
4. Succession
If the Governor is unable to serve (due to death, resignation, or removal), the Lieutenant Governor succeeds. If both are unavailable, succession passes to other officials as provided by law.
5. Removal from Office
Executive officers may be removed by impeachment for willful neglect of duty, corruption, or other serious misconduct.
6. Appointments and Commissions
The Governor appoints officials to fill vacancies and to serve on boards and commissions, often requiring Senate confirmation.
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