Governor of Delaware

The Governor of Delaware is the executive officer of the U.S. state of Delaware. The current incumbent is Ruth Ann Minner of Milford, Delaware. She is Delaware's first female governor and is serving in her second term. The offices of the Governor are at the state capital of Dover, Delaware, as is the official residence "Woodburn."

History of the Office

The Delaware Constitution of 1776 provided for the first executives of the independent state of Delaware. They were known as "Presidents," rather than "Governors," as they were to preside rather than govern. In keeping with the general reaction to the perceived excessive executive authority of the British, the Delaware General Assembly dominated the government. Accordingly, they elected the President and their legislation became law with or without his approval. They were never subject to any possibility of a veto. Indeed, the Constitution forced the Presidents to share such authority as they had with a four person Privy Council, also appointed by the General Assembly. All appointments and other decisions of the President had to be approved by them.

With a second constitution, the Delaware Constitution of 1792, the office was called, "Governor," relieved of the Privy Council, and elected by direct popular vote. At first they served for a term of three years, but beginning with the election of 1832 they have been elected to terms of four years. Since 1896 they have been eligible for reelection, but only one time. They have been chosen in the same general election as the U.S. President since 1896 as well, and take office the third Thursday of the following January.

ee also

*List of Governors of Delaware

References

*cite book |author=Martin, Roger A. |title=A History of Delaware Through its Governors |publisher=McClafferty Press, Wilmington |year=1984 |id=
*Pickett, Russell S. (2005). [http://www.russpickett.com/history/intrgovs.htm Delaware and U.S.History] .