Maryland(Colony). Governor.

Leonard Calvert was commissioned by Lord Baltimore in 1634 to be Maryland's first governor. The office was the center of all local administration, provincial chief executive, as well as agent of Lord Baltimore. The governor served at the pleasure of the proprietor.

Colonial governors exercised executive as well as legislative and judicial powers. As chief executive they granted land and issued patents, chartered corporations, appointed civil and military officers, and played a key role in relations with Indians. Furthermore, the governors acted as commander-in-chief of the military and keeper of the great seal of Maryland. Before 1692, the colonial governors' power over the legislature was absolute. Governors could call, adjourn, prorogue, or dissolve the assembly. Governors also acted a chancellor in equity cases and chief justice of the Provincial Court. From 1692 to 1715, governors were appointed by the royal government. After proprietary rule was restored in 1715, the assembly assumed some controlover the colony's financial and military affairs.

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