Explaining Variation and Change in Gubernatorial Powers, 1960-1982

ORMAL powers of state governors have increased since 1960 (Ransone 1982), to such an extent that one author has concluded: "In most of the states, as a result, the governor is now truly the master of his own house, not just the father figure" (Sabato 1983: 57). The meaning of Sabato's generalization will be tested empirically by comparing current powers with those first described and quantified by Joseph Schlesinger in 1960. The comparison will improve our understanding of the dynamics of change in state government institutions; and the new index will be a valuable tool for further research.