Governors and congressmen are powerful political officials. Governors have authority over the state, while congressmen have authority over the federal government.
Governor
The title of governor is commonly given to a public official who represents a regional district and serves as the head of state for its particular jurisdiction. In most countries, the title of governor can be used interchangeably with that of lieutenant or deputy, but what they represent usually differ from one country to another. Some governors have been given special status as the head of the state, although this is not common.
Congressman
A congressman is a member of the U.S. House of Representatives and serves in the Federal government on behalf of one particular state. A congressman’s role is to represent his district, which can be considered as a specific region within a state. The powers and responsibilities of congressmen may vary from one country or political system to another, but they typically have the power to introduce bills, vote on legislative matters, and serve as a voice for their state.
Congressmen are often associated with politics or political science, while governors tend to be associated with administration, law, and policymaking.
Which is higher Congressman or Governor?
A governor ranks higher than a congressman since the office controls a whole state and is a chief executive of the state. A congressman is “one of the 435 in a legislative body” and represents the interests of those in the state to the US Congress. [Source].
Is a Governor a Member of Congress?
Governors are not members of congress. They are the “political chief executives of their states.” [Source].
Key Difference between Governor and Congressman
The key difference between governor and congressman is that a congressman is elected to the House of Representatives. This is a federal body. A governor is elected as the Head of the state government [Source]. A governor governs and a congressman represents a constituency when it comes to lawmaking. Governor administrates the state government. A congressman uses “influence and the vote to form the legislation of the governing body.”
Similarities between Governor and Congressman
Similarities between a governor and a congressman are linked to the election into office. Both are elected by the citizens of their states [Source]. A governor and a congressman are tasked to serve the interests of their citizens. Both the governor and congressman ensure that the laws are address citizens’ challenges. As government officials, they are bound by state and national laws. Governors and congressmen influence policies and how they are drafted.
The duties of a Governor
The duties of a governor are pinned on serving his or her state. They can be linked to national issues. The office of the governor signs bills into law, “serving as commander-in-chief of the state’s National Guard and militia force, convening special sessions of the state legislature, delivering a ‘state of the state’ address to citizens, granting commutations and pardons to prisoners and appointing people to various judicial and state offices.” [Source]. The governor is also influential in his or her political party’s policies. They lead the executive role of a state, influence decisions made by the state’s legislative bodies. Governors also push for certain bills or policies to pass, and urge for the removal of other bills.
The duties of a Congressman
A congressman represents the interest of the citizens. He/she acts as a representative when introducing bills and resolutions. They offer any amendments necessary to certain bills, serve on committees [Source]. A congressman must engage the public on important topics. They serve the people and draft legislation that improves individuals’ lives.
The salaries of a Governor and a Congressman
The salaries of governors and congressmen vary greatly and depend on each state’s laws. A US study in 2019 revealed that governors were receiving a salary between $70 000 and $200 000 [Source], and congressmen are paid about $174 000
The Power of a Governor vs the Power of a Congressman
The governor has power over an entire state and a congressman represents the interests of a particular state. Governors have executive powers to enforce policies and commute capital punishment. A congressman can influence certain policies. The authority of a governor can extend to national issues whereas a congressman is limited to lower levels. Governors are regarded as chief executives of their states and a congressman is just part of the 435 members in a legislative body [Source]. On the federal system of governing, a governor is ranked higher than a congressman. A congressman can operate under a governor and a governor has the power to oversee operations in a whole state.
