Section 5 of the Idaho Constitution vests the governor with “supreme executive power” and tasks the governor with responsibility for ensuring all State laws are faithfully executed.
The governor appoints department heads and members of boards and commissions, issues executive orders which have the force and effect of law, and drafts and recommends a budget to the Idaho Legislature. On extraordinary occasions the governor can convene special sessions of the Legislature. He must give final approval of legislation, by signing bills passed by the Legislature. He has the power to veto bills but must list his objections. The Legislature can override a veto by a two-thirds vote of each chamber.
The governor is the commander-in-chief of the military forces, except when they are called into actual service of the United States. He is president of the Board of Examiners and chairman of the State Board of Land Commissioners.