Voter Primer: What The Tennessee Governor Does (and does not do)
Before heading to the polls, it’s important for voters to understand what responsibilities actually belong to the office of governor. Because the governor is the most visible elected official in Tennessee state government, people often associate nearly every state issue or controversy with the position. In reality, the governor’s authority is broad in some areas and limited in others. This guide is intended to provide Tennessee voters with a straightforward, easy-to-understand overview of what the governor does — and what powers belong to the legislature, courts, or other agencies — so residents can make informed decisions during election season.
WHAT THE GOVERNOR DOES
1. Serves as Tennessee’s Chief Executive Officer
The governor oversees the executive branch of state government and helps carry out state laws passed by the legislature.
2. Signs or Vetoes Bills Passed by the Legislature
Once the Tennessee General Assembly passes legislation, the governor can:
- Sign it into law
- Allow it to become law without a signature
- Veto the bill
The legislature can override some vetoes with enough votes.
3. Proposes the State Budget
The governor submits a proposed state budget that outlines recommended spending priorities for:
- Education
- Transportation
- Public safety
- Healthcare
- Infrastructure
- State agencies
The legislature ultimately approves the final budget.
4. Oversees State Departments and Agencies
The governor appoints leadership for many state agencies and departments, including areas such as:
- Transportation
- Economic development
- Health
- Safety and Homeland Security
- Environment and Conservation
5. Calls Special Legislative Sessions
The governor can call the General Assembly into special session to address urgent statewide issues.
6. Acts During Emergencies and Natural Disasters
During emergencies, the governor may:
- Declare states of emergency
- Coordinate disaster response
- Request federal assistance
- Mobilize state resources and the National Guard
7. Appoints Certain Officials and Judges
The governor appoints individuals to many state boards, commissions, and judicial vacancies as allowed by law.
8. Represents Tennessee Publicly
The governor often serves as the state’s public representative by:
- Meeting with business leaders
- Working with federal officials
- Promoting economic development
- Speaking on statewide issues
9. Can Grant Pardons or Clemency in Certain Cases
Under Tennessee law, the governor has limited clemency powers, including:
- Pardons
- Sentence commutations
- Reprieves
This process typically involves recommendations from the Board of Parole.
10. Helps Shape Statewide Policy Priorities
While laws must pass through the legislature, governors often advocate for policy goals related to:
- Education
- Taxes
- Public safety
- Healthcare
- Infrastructure
- Economic growth
WHAT THE GOVERNOR DOES NOT DO
Because the governor is often the most recognizable figure in state government, many Tennesseans naturally associate a wide range of issues with the office — even when responsibility actually belongs to lawmakers, local governments, courts, or federal agencies. These misunderstandings are common in government and politics, where responsibilities frequently overlap or operate behind the scenes. The following section is intended to help clarify those distinctions in a simple and factual way.
1. The governor does not make laws alone.
Laws must be passed by the Tennessee General Assembly.
2. The governor does not control local city or county governments.
Cities and counties have their own elected officials and governing bodies.
3. The governor does not control the price of groceries, gas, or inflation.
Many economic conditions are influenced by national and global markets.
4. The governor does not decide court verdicts or criminal sentences.
Judges and juries handle court rulings.
5. The governor does not directly run public schools day-to-day.
Local school boards and directors of schools manage school operations.
6. The governor does not independently approve the state budget.
The General Assembly must approve spending and appropriations.
7. The governor does not control federal laws or federal agencies.
Federal decisions are made by Congress, the President, and federal courts.
8. The governor does not personally manage road construction projects.
Transportation projects are handled through TDOT and state planning processes.
9. The governor does not have unlimited executive authority.
The office is balanced by the legislature and court system through checks and balances.
10. The governor does not control private businesses or private employment decisions.
Businesses make their own hiring, pricing, and operational decisions within the law.
Understanding what powers belong to the governor — and what responsibilities are shared with lawmakers, courts, and local governments — helps voters better understand how Tennessee state government functions. As election season continues, guides like this are intended to provide clear, factual information so voters can make informed decisions at the ballot box.
Members Discussion