Oregon Government
Introduction
Introduction
Like the United States of America, the State of Oregon has a government divided into three branches, executive, legislative and judicial. Oregon is further divided into counties, all of which have cities. State, county, and city governments are governed by elected officials.
Like the United States of America, the State of Oregon has a government divided into three branches, executive, legislative and judicial. Oregon is further divided into counties, all of which have cities. State, county, and city governments are governed by elected officials.
Oregon Constitution Article V Section 1: "The chief executive power of the State, shall be vested in a Governor, who shall hold his office for the term of four years; and no person shall be eligible to such office more than Eight, in any period of twelve years." The Governor is also commander in chief of the National Guard and the State Defense Force.
Oregon Constitution Article V Section 1: "The chief executive power of the State, shall be vested in a Governor, who shall hold his office for the term of four years; and no person shall be eligible to such office more than Eight, in any period of twelve years." The Governor is also commander in chief of the National Guard and the State Defense Force.
Governor Tina Kotek (D) of Portland took office in 2023.
Governor Tina Kotek (D) of Portland took office in 2023.
Oregon Constitution Article VI Section 2: "The Secretary of State shall keep a fair record of the official acts of the Legislative Assembly, and Executive Branch; and shall when required lay the same, and all matters relative thereto before either chamber of the Legislative Assembly. The Secretary of State shall be by virtue of holding the office, Auditor of Public Accounts, and shall perform such other duties as shall be assigned to the Secretary of State by law."
Oregon Constitution Article VI Section 2: "The Secretary of State shall keep a fair record of the official acts of the Legislative Assembly, and Executive Branch; and shall when required lay the same, and all matters relative thereto before either chamber of the Legislative Assembly. The Secretary of State shall be by virtue of holding the office, Auditor of Public Accounts, and shall perform such other duties as shall be assigned to the Secretary of State by law."
Secretary LaVonne Griffin-Valade (D) of Portland took office in 2023 following the resignation of Shemia Fagan. Because she was appointed, she is not in line to succeed to vacancies in the office of Governor.
Secretary LaVonne Griffin-Valade (D) of Portland took office in 2023 following the resignation of Shemia Fagan. Because she was appointed, she is not in line to succeed to vacancies in the office of Governor.
Oregon Constitution Article VI Section 4: "The powers, and duties of the Treasurer of State shall be such as may be prescribed by law."
Oregon Constitution Article VI Section 4: "The powers, and duties of the Treasurer of State shall be such as may be prescribed by law."
Treasurer Tobias Read (D) of Beaverton has served since 2017 following his election to the office. The Treasurer is normally second in line to succeed vacancies in the office of Governor, but Treasurer Read is currently first because Secretary of State Griffin-Valade was appointed, not elected.
Treasurer Tobias Read (D) of Beaverton has served since 2017 following his election to the office. The Treasurer is normally second in line to succeed vacancies in the office of Governor, but Treasurer Read is currently first because Secretary of State Griffin-Valade was appointed, not elected.
Oregon Blue Book: "The attorney general controls and supervises all court actions and legal proceedings in which the state of Oregon is a party or has an interest, including all elected and appointed officials, agencies, boards and commissions. The attorney general gives opinions upon any question of law in which the state or any public subdivision may have an interest when requested by the governor, by any state agency official or by any member of the Legislature." While elected, the Attorney General is not eligible to succeed vacancies in the office of Governor.
Oregon Blue Book: "The attorney general controls and supervises all court actions and legal proceedings in which the state of Oregon is a party or has an interest, including all elected and appointed officials, agencies, boards and commissions. The attorney general gives opinions upon any question of law in which the state or any public subdivision may have an interest when requested by the governor, by any state agency official or by any member of the Legislature." While elected, the Attorney General is not eligible to succeed vacancies in the office of Governor.
Attorney General Ellen Rosenblum (D) has been Attorney General since 2011, when she was appointed to fill a vacancy in the office by Governor John Kitzhaber.
Attorney General Ellen Rosenblum (D) has been Attorney General since 2011, when she was appointed to fill a vacancy in the office by Governor John Kitzhaber.
Oregon Blue Book: "The commissioner enforces state laws prohibiting discrimination in employment, housing, public accommodation and vocational, professional and trade schools. " While elected, the Commissioner is not eligible to succeed vacancies in the office of Governor.
Oregon Blue Book: "The commissioner enforces state laws prohibiting discrimination in employment, housing, public accommodation and vocational, professional and trade schools. " While elected, the Commissioner is not eligible to succeed vacancies in the office of Governor.
Commissioner Christina Stephenson (D) of Portland took office in 2023.
Commissioner Christina Stephenson (D) of Portland took office in 2023.
Oregon has over 100 additional state agencies that perform various duties prescribed by the Legislative Assembly or Congress. Agency heads are appointed by the Governor, or hired by Board & Commissions appointed by the Governor. Unlike federal Cabinet Secretaries, appointed department heads in Oregon are not eligible to succeed vacancies in the office of Governor.
Oregon has over 100 additional state agencies that perform various duties prescribed by the Legislative Assembly or Congress. Agency heads are appointed by the Governor, or hired by Board & Commissions appointed by the Governor. Unlike federal Cabinet Secretaries, appointed department heads in Oregon are not eligible to succeed vacancies in the office of Governor.
The Oregon Senate is the upper house of the bicameral Legislative Assembly. In addition to passing laws, the Senate approves appointments to state agencies and boards.
The Oregon Senate is the upper house of the bicameral Legislative Assembly. In addition to passing laws, the Senate approves appointments to state agencies and boards.
Most states elect a Lieutenant Governor who serves as the presiding officer of the Senate, similar to the office of US Vice President. In Oregon, the Senate chooses its own President from among their membership. Senate President Rob of Lake Oswego (D) has held this office since 2023. The Senate President is usually 3rd in line to succeed vacancies in the office of Governor. President Wagner is assisted by President Pro-Tem James Manning, Jr. of Eugene (D).
Most states elect a Lieutenant Governor who serves as the presiding officer of the Senate, similar to the office of US Vice President. In Oregon, the Senate chooses its own President from among their membership. Senate President Rob of Lake Oswego (D) has held this office since 2023. The Senate President is usually 3rd in line to succeed vacancies in the office of Governor. President Wagner is assisted by President Pro-Tem James Manning, Jr. of Eugene (D).
The Oregon Democratic Party has held a majority of seats in the State Senate since 2005 (currently 17/30). The Majority Leader is Senator Kate Lieber of Portland.
The Oregon Democratic Party has held a majority of seats in the State Senate since 2005 (currently 17/30). The Majority Leader is Senator Kate Lieber of Portland.
The Oregon Republican Party has held a minority of seats in the Senate since 2005 (currently 11/30). The Minority Leader is Senator Tim Knopp of Bend.
The Oregon Republican Party has held a minority of seats in the Senate since 2005 (currently 11/30). The Minority Leader is Senator Tim Knopp of Bend.
Senators Brian Boquist and Art Robinson form the Independents Caucus.
Senators Brian Boquist and Art Robinson form the Independents Caucus.
The Oregon House of Representatives is the upper house of the bicameral Legislative Assembly. The Speaker is the last position in line to succeed vacancies in the office of Governor.
The Oregon House of Representatives is the upper house of the bicameral Legislative Assembly. The Speaker is the last position in line to succeed vacancies in the office of Governor.
In Oregon, the Speaker of the House is chosen by Representatives. Speaker Dan Rayfield of Corvallis (D) has held this office since 2022. He is assisted by Speaker Pro-Tem Paul Holvey of Eugene (D).
In Oregon, the Speaker of the House is chosen by Representatives. Speaker Dan Rayfield of Corvallis (D) has held this office since 2022. He is assisted by Speaker Pro-Tem Paul Holvey of Eugene (D).
The Oregon Democratic Party has held a majority of seats in the House since 2013 (currently 37/60). The Majority Leader is Representative Julie Fahey of Eugene.
The Oregon Democratic Party has held a majority of seats in the House since 2013 (currently 37/60). The Majority Leader is Representative Julie Fahey of Eugene.
The Oregon Republican Party has held a minority of seats in the House since 2013 (currently 23/60). The Minority Leader is Representative Vikki Breese-Iverson of Prineville.
The Oregon Republican Party has held a minority of seats in the House since 2013 (currently 23/60). The Minority Leader is Representative Vikki Breese-Iverson of Prineville.
Oregon Blue Book: "It is primarily a court of review in that it reviews, in selected cases, the decisions of the Court of Appeals. The Supreme Court usually selects cases with significant legal issues calling for interpretation of laws or legal principles affecting many citizens and institutions of society."
Oregon Blue Book: "It is primarily a court of review in that it reviews, in selected cases, the decisions of the Court of Appeals. The Supreme Court usually selects cases with significant legal issues calling for interpretation of laws or legal principles affecting many citizens and institutions of society."
Chief Justice Meagan Flynn is one of 7 Associate Justices elected for 6-year terms.
Chief Justice Meagan Flynn is one of 7 Associate Justices elected for 6-year terms.
Oregon Blue Book: "The Court of Appeals has jurisdiction to review appeals of most civil and criminal cases and most state administrative agency actions. The exceptions are appeals in death penalty, lawyer and judicial disciplinary, and Oregon Tax Court cases, which go directly to the Oregon Supreme Court."
Oregon Blue Book: "The Court of Appeals has jurisdiction to review appeals of most civil and criminal cases and most state administrative agency actions. The exceptions are appeals in death penalty, lawyer and judicial disciplinary, and Oregon Tax Court cases, which go directly to the Oregon Supreme Court."
Chief Judge Erin Lagesen is one of 13 Associate Judges elected for 6-year terms.
Chief Judge Erin Lagesen is one of 13 Associate Judges elected for 6-year terms.
Oregon Blue Book: "The Oregon Tax Court has exclusive, statewide jurisdiction in all questions of law or fact arising under state tax laws, including income taxes, corporate excise taxes, property taxes, timber taxes, cigarette taxes, local budget law and property tax limitations."
Oregon Blue Book: "The Oregon Tax Court has exclusive, statewide jurisdiction in all questions of law or fact arising under state tax laws, including income taxes, corporate excise taxes, property taxes, timber taxes, cigarette taxes, local budget law and property tax limitations."
Tax Judge Robert Manicke was elected in 2018 to a 6-year term.
Tax Judge Robert Manicke was elected in 2018 to a 6-year term.
The Oregon National Guard is a Ready, Professional Militia dedicated to the highest quality service to our State, Nation, and Community. The Oregon National Guard provides the citizens of the State of Oregon and the United States with a ready force of citizen soldiers and airmen, equipped and trained to respond to any contingency, natural or man-made.
The Oregon National Guard is a Ready, Professional Militia dedicated to the highest quality service to our State, Nation, and Community. The Oregon National Guard provides the citizens of the State of Oregon and the United States with a ready force of citizen soldiers and airmen, equipped and trained to respond to any contingency, natural or man-made.
The Oregon Air National Guard (OR ANG) is the aerial militia of the State of Oregon, United States of America. As state militia units, the units in the Oregon Air National Guard are not in the normal United States Air Force chain of command. They are under the jurisdiction of the Governor of Oregon though the office of the Oregon Adjutant General unless they are federalized by order of the President of the United States. The Oregon Air National Guard is headquartered at the Oregon Military Department buildings in Salem.
The Oregon Air National Guard (OR ANG) is the aerial militia of the State of Oregon, United States of America. As state militia units, the units in the Oregon Air National Guard are not in the normal United States Air Force chain of command. They are under the jurisdiction of the Governor of Oregon though the office of the Oregon Adjutant General unless they are federalized by order of the President of the United States. The Oregon Air National Guard is headquartered at the Oregon Military Department buildings in Salem.
The Oregon Civil Defense Force is a volunteer force established in Oregon (Revised Statute 399.035). Its mission is to augment the Oregon National Guard as a reserve force under the authority of The Adjutant General of Oregon.
The Oregon Civil Defense Force is a volunteer force established in Oregon (Revised Statute 399.035). Its mission is to augment the Oregon National Guard as a reserve force under the authority of The Adjutant General of Oregon.
Local Governments
Local Governments
Like America is divided into states, Oregon is divided into counties. Each county has an elected board of commissioners or court, along with other elected and appointed officers who locally administer constitutional and statutory mandates. Voters may also make key decisions about county policy and revenue. The Association of Oregon Counties (Board of Directors pictured here) has additional constitutional obligations.
Like America is divided into states, Oregon is divided into counties. Each county has an elected board of commissioners or court, along with other elected and appointed officers who locally administer constitutional and statutory mandates. Voters may also make key decisions about county policy and revenue. The Association of Oregon Counties (Board of Directors pictured here) has additional constitutional obligations.
Most Oregon communities are collectively governed as cities with defined boundaries and an elected mayor and council. In most cities, the Mayor is the chair of the city council rather than the chief executive officer. Voters may also make key decisions about city policy and revenue. The League of Oregon Cities has additional constitutional obligations. (Pictured here: Salem, Oregon City Council.)
Most Oregon communities are collectively governed as cities with defined boundaries and an elected mayor and council. In most cities, the Mayor is the chair of the city council rather than the chief executive officer. Voters may also make key decisions about city policy and revenue. The League of Oregon Cities has additional constitutional obligations. (Pictured here: Salem, Oregon City Council.)
Counties and cities have broadly defined powers and responsibilities, but they may not be able to fulfill all community needs. Voters authorize the creation of special districts that provide one specific service to a community. Special districts are governed by elected boards, and voters may make key decisions about policy and revenue. (Pictured here: Special Districts Association of Oregon Board of Directors.)
Counties and cities have broadly defined powers and responsibilities, but they may not be able to fulfill all community needs. Voters authorize the creation of special districts that provide one specific service to a community. Special districts are governed by elected boards, and voters may make key decisions about policy and revenue. (Pictured here: Special Districts Association of Oregon Board of Directors.)
Education
Education
Oregon's workforce can receive advanced training at 8 public universities:
Oregon's workforce can receive advanced training at 8 public universities:
- Eastern Oregon University
- Oregon Health & Science University
- Oregon State University
- Oregon Institute of Technology
- Portland State University
- Southern Oregon University
- University of Oregon
- Western Oregon University
Each university is overseen by a Board of Trustees appointed by the Governor of Oregon (pictured here: EOU Board of Trustees). University operations are coordinated by the Higher Education Coordinated Commission, also appointed by the Governor. Universities support each other's agendas through the Oregon Council of Presidents.
Each university is overseen by a Board of Trustees appointed by the Governor of Oregon (pictured here: EOU Board of Trustees). University operations are coordinated by the Higher Education Coordinated Commission, also appointed by the Governor. Universities support each other's agendas through the Oregon Council of Presidents.
Oregon's workforce can receive technical training at 18 community colleges. Community Colleges are governed by elected Boards of Education. Community college operations are also coordinated by the Higher Education Coordinating Commission. Community Colleges support each other's agendas through the Oregon Community Colleges Association.
Oregon's workforce can receive technical training at 18 community colleges. Community Colleges are governed by elected Boards of Education. Community college operations are also coordinated by the Higher Education Coordinating Commission. Community Colleges support each other's agendas through the Oregon Community Colleges Association.
Primary and secondary education is offered by School Districts, each governed by an elected board. Supplemental assistance for schools is offered by Education Service Districts, which have board composed of directly elected members and elected school board members. Oversight of schools is provided by the Oregon State Board of Education. School Districts support each other's agendas through the Oregon School Board Association. (Pictured here: OSBA Board of Directors.)
Primary and secondary education is offered by School Districts, each governed by an elected board. Supplemental assistance for schools is offered by Education Service Districts, which have board composed of directly elected members and elected school board members. Oversight of schools is provided by the Oregon State Board of Education. School Districts support each other's agendas through the Oregon School Board Association. (Pictured here: OSBA Board of Directors.)
Fun Fact: Oregon does not have an independent State Superintendent of Schools. By law, the Governor is technically Superintendent, but in practice the duties are mainly discharged by an appointed Deputy Superintendent who reports to the Governor.
Fun Fact: Oregon does not have an independent State Superintendent of Schools. By law, the Governor is technically Superintendent, but in practice the duties are mainly discharged by an appointed Deputy Superintendent who reports to the Governor.