What is the role of the Lieutenant Governor?

The role of the Lieutenant Governor is primarily to serve as an elected deputy to the governor. This position acts as a backup for the governor and can step in when the governor is unavailable due to absence, illness, or other reasons. The Lieutenant Governor often has responsibilities and powers defined by state law, which can vary significantly from one state to another.

In many states, the Lieutenant Governor's role includes presiding over the state Senate and casting tie-breaking votes, but the fundamental aspect of the role is that of an elected deputy. This means the Lieutenant Governor is directly linked to the governance of the state and often works closely with the governor's office to coordinate on state policies and initiatives. The strong relationship between the governor and Lieutenant Governor is critical for effective state administration.

The other options represent different roles that are either held by other officials or involve responsibilities outside the typical scope of a Lieutenant Governor’s duties. The judiciary and legislative leadership have different structures and specific leaders, while running economic programs is more commonly handled by departments within the state government.