Final answer:
The Lieutenant Governor of Council is involved in both legislative and executive functions, such as casting tie-breaking votes in the senate, making committee appointments, overseeing the state budget recommendation, and regulating state issues like school policies and driving licenses. They can also assume the governor's duties, including veto powers, under certain circumstances.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Lieutenant Governor of Council holds significant responsibilities in both legislative and executive capacities. In their legislative role, they often preside over the state senate and may cast a tie-breaking vote. This allows the lieutenant governor to influence the direction of important legislation, including matters like school policies and public utilities regulation. They are tasked with committee appointments, a critical role that determines which bills are brought forward for debate and scheduling of legislation for floor votes.
From an executive perspective, the lieutenant governor also assumes the governor's responsibilities in the absences of the governor or during periods when the governor is unable to perform their duties. They partake in the recommendation of the state budget to legislators. Additionally, they can oversee various state regulations such as the driving age, issuance of marriage, birth, and death certificates, and uphold state laws concerning serious crimes.
Furthermore, the lieutenant governor has the power to exert influence through the veto process. They can potentially assume the governor's veto powers if the governor becomes disabled, including the power to veto bills or specific items in appropriation bills passed by the Legislature. However, it is worth noting that the legislature may override any veto with a two-thirds vote.