STATEWIDE ELECTIVE OFFICE DESCRIPTIONS 
Governor
• As the state's chief executive officer, oversees most state departments and agencies and appoints
judges.
• Proposes new laws and approves or vetoes legislation.
• Prepares and submits the annual state budget.
• Mobilizes and directs state resources during emergencies.
Lieutenant Governor
• Assumes the office and duties of Governor in the case of impeachment, death, resignation, removal
from office, or absence from the state.
• Serves as President of and presides over the State Senate and has a tie-breaking vote.
• Chairs the Economic Development Commission, is a member of the State Lands Commission, and sits
on the boards of the California university systems.
• Serves as an ex-officio member of the California State World Trade Commission.
Secretary of State
• As the state's chief elections officer, administers and enforces election laws and keeps records of all
campaign and lobbyist disclosure statements required under the Political Reform Act.
• Files official documents relating to corporations, trademarks, the Uniform Commercial Code, notaries
public, and limited partnerships.
• Collects and preserves historically valuable papers and artifacts in the California State Archives.
• Serves as an ex-officio member of the California State World Trade Commission.
Controller
• As the state's chief fiscal officer, acts as the state's accountant and bookkeeper of all public funds.
• Administers the state payroll system and unclaimed property laws.
• Serves on numerous boards and commissions including the Board of Equalization and the Board of
Control.
• Conducts audits and reviews of state operations.
Treasurer
• As the state's banker, manages the state's investments.
• Administers the sale of state bonds and notes and is the investment officer for most state funds.
• Chairs or serves on several commissions, most of which relate to the marketing of bonds.
• Pays out state funds when spent by the Controller and other state agencies.
Attorney General
• As the state's chief law officer, ensures that the laws of the state are uniformly and adequately enforced.
• Heads the Department of Justice, which is responsible for providing state legal services and support for
local law enforcement.
• Acts as the chief counsel in state litigation.
• Oversees law enforcement agencies, including District Attorneys and Sheriffs.
Insurance Commissioner
• Oversees and directs all functions of the Department of Insurance.
• Licenses, regulates, and examines insurance companies.
• Answers public questions and complaints regarding the insurance industry.
• Enforces the laws of the California Insurance Code and adopts regulations to implement the laws.
Superintendent of Public Instruction
• As the state's chief spokesperson for public schools, provides education policy and direction to local
school districts.
• Directs all functions of the Department of Education and executes policies set by the State Board of
Education.
• Serves as an ex-officio member of governing boards of the state's higher education system.
• Works with the educational community to improve academic performance.
Member of the Board of Equalization
Serves on the Board of Equalization, California's elected tax commission, a body that:
• Oversees the administration of over two dozen tax and fee programs including sales and use, cigarette
and tobacco, alcohol and fuels tax.
• Serves as the appellate body for California income and franchise tax cases.
• Oversees the administration of property tax statewide.
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