Kansas Government Officials
The Kansas Constitution, patterned on the style and form of the Constitution of the United States, outlined the statewide government officials. The authors of Kansas Constitution also followed the precedent of other states' constitutions. In many ways, the Kansas Constitution followed the federal model to establish the three branches of government within the state: executive, judicial, and legislative.
The Kansas governor heads the executive branch, which also includes the lieutenant governor, secretary of state, and attorney general. While territorial governors, beginning in 1854, were appointed by the U. S. president, governors were elected by popular vote after Kansas statehood on January 29, 1861. For more than 100 years those elections were held every two years. Kansas voters approved a constitutional amendment that changed the term of office to four years, which was effective with the 1974 election. Each of the members of the executive department now serves a four-year term, elected during midterm years. The governor may not serve more than two consecutive four year terms. Most state agencies are a part of the executive branch of government and the secretaries and executive directors serve at the pleasure of the governor. Authority for the office is derived from the Kansas Constitution, Article I, Section III. The office of governor is located in the Kansas State Capitol in downtown Topeka.
The office of lieutenant governor is on the ballot at the invitation of the governor and serves four years, elected during midterm years. The lieutenant governor no longer holds the position of president of the Kansas Senate. Instead, the lieutenant governor works with state commissions and on issues most important to the governor. In the event that the governor cannot perform his or her duties, the lieutenant governor takes on the role of the governor. Authority for the office is derived from the Kansas Constitution, Article I, Section I. The office of lieutenant governor is located in the Kansas State Capitol in downtown Topeka.
The secretary of state is chief elections official in the state, ensuring that fair elections, no voter fraud, and overseeing voter registration. The office receives campaign finance reports and registers lobbyists. It shares regulation of lobbying and campaign finance with the ethics commission. In 2015 the Kansas Legislature granted the secretary of state with prosecutorial power in voter fraud cases. Authority for the office is derived from the Kansas Constitution, Article I, Section I. The office of secretary of state is located at Memorial Hall in downtown Topeka.
The attorney general is the chief law enforcement official in the state, working to assist the governor in the execution of state laws and the obedience of federal laws. The office is responsible for providing legal services to state agencies and boards, protecting consumers from fraud, assisting victims of crime, and defending the state in civil proceedings. There are no constitutional or statutory qualifications for the office, which is elected during midterm years. The provisions for the office are outlined in the Kansas Constitution, Article 1, Section 1. The office of attorney general is located at Memorial Hall in downtown Topeka.
The state treasurer is the chief custodian of the state's cash deposits, monies from bond sales, and other securities and collateral. The state treasurer directs the investments of those assets and provides for the safe and efficient operation of state government through banking, investment, and cash management. Until 1978, treasurers served a two-year term. Since that date, the term is four years, elected in midterm years, which is outlined in Chapter 25, Article 1, of the Kansas Code. The office of the state treasurer is located in Landon State Office Building in downtown Topeka.
The insurance commissioner is elected every four years in midterm years. This executive position heads the Kansas Department of Insurance. The office regulates and reviews companies for financial solvency and regulatory compliance. In addition the office educates consumers and helps license agents selling insurance products. The provisions for the office are outlined in the Chapter 4, Article 1, of the Kansas Code.
Entry: Kansas Government Officials
Author: Kansas Historical Society
Author information: The Kansas Historical Society is a state agency charged with actively safeguarding and sharing the state's history.
Date Created: February 2017
Date Modified: January 2018
The author of this article is solely responsible for its content.
