Final answer:
The governor is the leader of the state government, elected by the citizens, serving usually a four-year term and is responsible for various executive duties including issuing orders and preparing the state budget.
Step-by-step explanation:
The leader of a state government is known as the governor. The governor is elected by the people of the state and typically serves a four-year term, though this can vary by state. As part of their duties, governors have the power to issue executive orders, prepare the state budget, make appointments, veto legislation, and grant pardons. Other top officials in state government commonly include a lieutenant governor, secretary of state, and attorney general. The secretary of state is the only major executive officer who is not elected but is instead appointed by the governor with the advice and consent of the state Senate.