2024 Digger Debate Series

Vermont’s lieutenant governor is largely a ceremonial role. The officeholder serves as the presiding officer of the Vermont Senate, able to vote on measures before the body only in case of a tie. The lieutenant governor steps in to perform the governor’s duties when that person is out of the state or incapacitated. More informally, people in the role have used it as a platform for advocacy and to convene Vermonters in public discussions of important issues to the state. 

The governor of Vermont leads the state’s executive branch. The officeholder appoints those who lead the agencies and departments that provide all state government services, as well as state judges. The governor proposes a state budget to the Legislature each year and can veto bills the Legislature passes, with some exceptions. This person carries out state laws and implements the state budget. The governor oversees the Vermont National Guard and can assume additional powers during a time of emergency.

Vermont is represented in the 435-member U.S. House of Representatives by a single delegate, who is elected statewide to a two-year term. The House is considered the lower chamber in the U.S. Congress. Federal legislation must be passed by both the House and Senate — and be signed by the president, unless Congress overrides a presidential veto. All bills raising revenue must originate in the House, and the lower chamber also has the power to impeach federal officers, including the president.

Vermont is represented in the 100-member U.S. Senate by two delegates, who are elected statewide to six-year terms. The Senate is considered the upper chamber in the U.S. Congress. Federal legislation must be passed by both the House and Senate — and be signed by the president, unless Congress overrides a presidential veto. The Senate has the power to confirm presidential appointees, agree to treaties with foreign nations and remove federal officers impeached by the House.