| Governor of Michigan | |
|---|---|
 Seal of the governor | |
 Flag of the governor | |
_(cropped).jpg) | |
| Style | Her Excellency[1] |
| Status | |
| Residence | Michigan Governor's Mansion |
| Term length | Four years, renewable once |
| Precursor | Governor of Michigan Territory |
| Inaugural holder | Stevens T. Mason |
| Formation | November 3, 1835 |
| Deputy | Lieutenant Governor of Michigan |
| Salary | $159,300 (2019) |
| Website | www |
The governor of Michigan, is the head of government of the U.S. state of Michigan as well as the commander-in-chief of the state's military forces.[2] The governor has a duty to enforce state laws;[3] the power to either approve or veto appropriation bills passed by the Michigan Legislature;[4] the power to convene the legislature;[5] and the power to grant pardons, except in cases of impeachment.[6] The governor is also empowered to reorganize the executive branch of the state government.[7]
In the 17th and 18th century, Michigan was part of French and then British holdings, and administered by their colonial governors. After becoming part of the United States, areas of what is today Michigan were part of the Northwest Territory, Indiana Territory and Illinois Territory, and administered by territorial governors. In 1805, the Michigan Territory was created, and five men served as territorial governors, until Michigan was granted statehood in 1837. Forty-seven individuals have held the position of state governor. The first female governor, Jennifer Granholm, served from 2003 to 2011.
After Michigan gained statehood, governors held the office for a 2-year term, until the 1963 Michigan Constitution changed the term to 4 years. The number of times an individual could hold the office was unlimited until a 1992 constitutional amendment imposed a lifetime term limit of two 4-year governorships. The longest-serving governor in Michigan's history was William Milliken, who was promoted from lieutenant governor after Governor George W. Romney resigned to become Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, then was elected to three further successive terms. The only governors to serve non-consecutive terms were John S. Barry and Frank Fitzgerald.
- ^ Macomb, Alex (1837). "No. 20: Letter from Major General Macomb, to His Excellency the Governor of Michigan, Accompanying a Copy of Military Tactics". Documents Accompanying the Journal of the Senate. Detroit: John S. Bagg, State Printer. p. 167 – via Google Books.
- ^ 1963 Michigan Constitution, Article 5, Section 12
- ^ 1963 Michigan Constitution, Article 5, Section 8
- ^ 1963 Michigan Constitution, Article 5, Section 19
- ^ 1963 Michigan Constitution, Article 5, Section 15
- ^ 1963 Michigan Constitution, Article 5, Section 14
- ^ 1963 Michigan Constitution, Article 5, Section 2