“States” is the middle name of the United States of America. Yet the amount of attention given to state government is disproportionately small.
The states have the power to pass and enforce laws and regulations for matters not directly under the purview of the federal government. Among other things, each state has its own criminal code and justice system, election regulations, tax structures, road and traffic laws, and procedures for licensing professionals. States charter units of local government within their boundaries.
From time to time we will shine a light on state governments and those who run them. Today we’re presenting stats on the current chief executives of the 50 states.
These come from the Center on the American Governor – Eagleton Institute of Politics at Rutgers University.
ETHNIC BACKGROUND
GENDER
OFFSPRING
PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE OF CURRENT GOVERNORS (pdf)
And from the National Governors Association.
CURRENT ROSTER OF GOVERNORS WITH INFORMATION ON TERMS AND PARTY AFFILIATION (pdf)
TL;DR Civics 