Final answer:
The succession plan for a governor who resigns, dies, or is impeached generally involves the Lieutenant Governor assuming the office. If the Lieutenant Governor position is also vacant, duties may fall to the president pro tempore of the Senate.
Step-by-step explanation:
When a governor resigns, dies, or is impeached, the process of succession varies slightly depending upon the specific office and situation. For instance, the 25th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution specifies that the Vice President shall become President in the event of the President's removal, death, or resignation.
Regarding the vacancy of a gubernatorial position, the next in line typically is the Lieutenant Governor, who assumes office for the remainder of the term. If the position of Lieutenant Governor is vacant, the president pro tempore of the Senate may perform the duties until a successor is elected.
For the vacancy of a U.S. Senator, the 17th Amendment allows state legislatures to enable the governor to make a temporary appointment until a special election can take place. In the House of Representatives, the governor must call a special election to fill the vacant seat rather than make an appointment.
In every scenario, the goal is to ensure that the office is filled and that governance continues without significant disruption to the state or nation's operation.