A lieutenant governor typically has these key roles and responsibilities:
- Serves as the second highest-ranking official in a state or province, often considered the "second-in-command" to the governor.
- Acts as the first in the line of succession to become governor if the current governor dies, resigns, is removed from office, or is otherwise unable to serve.
- Functions as the president or presiding officer of the state senate in many states, overseeing legislative sessions and helping determine which legislation advances.
- Fulfills duties in both the executive and legislative branches, which may include serving on various state boards, commissions, and task forces.
- Becomes acting governor when the governor is out of the state, incapacitated, or temporarily unable to perform duties.
- May undertake additional responsibilities assigned by the governor, legislature, or through statutes, including leading state government divisions or commissions.
- In some regions, the lieutenant governor has ceremonial roles or represents the monarch, but generally exercises minimal practical power.
- Often pursues legislative initiatives, may testify at local and national levels, and serves as a key policy and governance figure.
The specifics vary widely by jurisdiction, but the main constitutional duty is to be the immediate successor to the governor and often to preside over the state senate. This office uniquely intersects both executive and legislative functions depending on the state or province. In summary, a lieutenant governor is a crucial backup to the governor and frequently plays an important legislative leadership role, with additional duties tailored to the state's needs and laws. This is a general overview with some state-specific examples like Virginia, Washington, California, and Ontario reflecting variations in the role.