What each office does

Plain-language descriptions. Exact powers vary by state; each description links to a nonpartisan or official source.

U.S. Senator

Writes and votes on federal laws, approves or rejects the President's nominees for judges and cabinet posts, and approves treaties.

6-year term. Each state has two.

  • Votes on the federal budget and taxes
  • Confirms Supreme Court justices
  • Serves on committees that shape bills
Source: U.S. Senate: About the Senate

U.S. Representative

Writes and votes on federal laws for a district of about 760,000 people. All bills about taxes and spending must start in the House.

2-year term. One per district.

  • Votes on the federal budget
  • Introduces bills
  • Helps constituents with federal agencies (Social Security, VA, passports)
Source: U.S. House: The House Explained

Governor

Runs the state government. Proposes the state budget, signs or vetoes bills passed by the legislature, and appoints the heads of state agencies.

Usually 4 years (2 in NH and VT).

  • State budget, schools and Medicaid funding
  • Signs or vetoes state laws
  • Leads emergency response and the state National Guard
Source: National Governors Association: Governors' Powers & Authority

Lieutenant Governor

Becomes governor if the governor leaves office. In many states also presides over the state senate or leads specific programs.

Usually 4 years.

  • First in line to succeed the governor
  • May cast tie-breaking votes in the state senate
Source: National Lieutenant Governors Association

Attorney General

The state's top lawyer. Defends the state in court, enforces consumer protection laws, and can sue businesses or the federal government on the state's behalf.

Usually 4 years.

  • Consumer fraud and scam cases
  • Defends state laws in court
  • Advises state agencies
Source: National Association of Attorneys General

Secretary of State

Duties vary by state. Often oversees elections and keeps official records; in some states (including Illinois) runs driver's licenses and vehicle registration.

Usually 4 years.

  • Elections and voter rolls (in many states)
  • Business filings
  • Driver's licenses (in some states)
Source: National Association of Secretaries of State

State Treasurer

Manages and invests the state's money and often runs unclaimed property and college savings programs.

Usually 4 years.

  • Invests state funds
  • Unclaimed property returns
  • 529 college savings plans
Source: National Association of State Treasurers

Comptroller / Auditor

The state's chief accountant or watchdog. Pays the state's bills and reports on how public money is spent.

Usually 4 years.

  • Pays state bills and payroll
  • Publishes state spending data
  • Audits agencies (auditors)
Source: National Association of State Auditors, Comptrollers and Treasurers

State Senator

A member of the upper chamber of the state legislature. Writes and votes on state laws and the state budget, and in many states confirms the governor's appointees.

Usually 4 years.

  • School funding and state taxes
  • State criminal laws
  • Drawing district maps (in many states)
Source: National Conference of State Legislatures

State Representative

A member of the lower chamber of the state legislature (called the House, Assembly or House of Delegates). Writes and votes on state laws for a smaller district than a state senator.

Usually 2 years.

  • State budget and taxes
  • Roads and schools
  • Local issues raised by constituents
Source: National Conference of State Legislatures

Mayor

Leads a city. In 'strong mayor' cities (like Chicago) the mayor runs city departments and proposes the budget; in others the city council and a city manager hold more power.

Usually 4 years.

  • Police and fire departments
  • City budget and property tax levy
  • Streets, water and garbage
Source: National League of Cities: Forms of Municipal Government