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Governor
The Governor is the chief executive of the state's government. He or she is responsible for upholding the Alabama Constitution and executing state law. The Governor is elected by popular election every four years. The constitution limits the governor to two consecutive terms, but there is no limit on the total number of terms one may serve, so long as no more than two are ever consecutive. George Wallace holds the record as the longest-serving governor in Alabama history with 16 years of service.
The governor also is commander-in-chief of the state's military forces, which consist of the Alabama Army National Guard and Alabama Air National Guard, which are part of the National Guard of the United States, together with the Alabama State Defense Force. As commander-in-chief, the governor may call out the state's military forces to preserve the public peace when it is not in active service of the United States. He may also call upon them to render aid during natural disasters or other times when he or she may deem their services to be required.
Like other U.S. governors, the governor of Alabama has the power to veto laws passed by the state legislature (see below). However, in contrast to the practice in most states (and the federal government) that requires the legislature to garner a two-thirds majority to override an executive veto, the Alabama constitution requires only a simple majority within both legislative houses to accomplish this. The governor also possesses the power to pardon convicted criminals, except in cases of impeachment.
At least once every legislative session, the governor is required to deliver an address to the Alabama Legislature, referred to as the "State of the State address." This address encompasses the condition and operation of the state government, and may also suggest new legislation for the legislature's consideration.
The current Governor of Alabama is Republican Robert Bentley, who has served since 2011.
Lieutenant Governor
The Lieutenant Governor of Alabama, an office occupied in 2011 by Kay Ivey, is the ex-officio President of the Senate, as provided under Article V, Section 117 of the Constitution. He is also considered an officer of the Executive Branch under Article V, Section 112. The Lieutenant Governor is elected, by statewide vote, every four years, and must be at least 30 years of age, when elected, and must have been a citizen of the United States for 10 years, and a resident citizen of the State of Alabama for 7 years, prior to election.
The Lieutenant Governor can vote, on any matter before the Senate, only to break a tie vote. The Senate may, by Rule, grant other powers to the Lieutenant Governor, in his or her capacity as President of the Senate.