Contact: Craig Thiel
517-485-9444

CRC's Con-Con Series Analyzes Article V - Executive Branch

The eighth in the Citizens Research Council of Michigan's series of papers about state constitutional issues focuses on the executive branch of government -- Article V of the 1963 Michigan Constitution.

At the same time that Michigan voters will be asked whether or not to call a constitutional convention, voters will be asked to elect a new chief executive for state government. In addition to Governor Granholm, three other statewide-elected executive branch officials (lieutenant governor, secretary of state, and attorney general) will be required to exit their respective offices due to the term limitation provisions provided for in Article V, Section 30. This complete turnover in the executive branch of state government will usher in new officials that will be responsible for executing state laws and delivering services to Michigan residents.

"A constitutional convention, if called, would likely examine the broad issues dealing with the powers of the governor and other officials as they pertain to the structure and organization of the executive branch of government," stated Craig Thiel CRC's Director of State Affairs.

For 47 years, Michigan state government has operated under a constitutional framework that centralizes executive power in a single office and provides for a strong governor. With the exception of two amendments to Article V, the original constitutional provisions governing the operations of the executive branch remain basically intact. Despite this consistency over the years, a number of issues might be considered by a potential constitutional convention charged with looking at Article V dealing with: executive reorganization powers, single versus plural executive, filling legislative vacancies, office vacancies of executive officials, the governor's role in the state budget process, and the governor's appointment powers.

While it is likely that a con-con would examine these and other issues related to Article V of the 1963 Constitution, Craig Thiel added, "Nothing in Article V has prevented the executive branch from governing effectively since its enactment nearly 50 years ago and no issues have risen to the level of crisis that would suggest immediate modification is necessary."

In looking at each article of the Michigan Constitution, CRC takes no position on the question of calling a constitutional convention. It is hoped that examination of the matters identified in this paper will promote discussion of vital constitutional issues and assist citizens in deliberations on the question of calling a constitutional convention.

Article V -- Executive Branch can be accessed at www.crcmich.org/PUBLICAT/2010s/2010/rpt36008.html. The series of constitutional issues papers is being released on roughly a bi-weekly schedule and can be accessed at www.crcmich.org/election.

The Citizens Research Council of Michigan is a private, nonprofit public affairs research organization, founded in 1916 to analyze issues pertaining to state and local government organization and finance in Michigan.