The office of the governor of the state of Kansas was established by the Kansas state constitution, ratified by Congress on January 29, 1861. Governors were limited to serving 2 year terms until a constititutional amendment changed them to 4 year terms beginning in 1974. Most of the governor's duties are outlined by a variety of state statutes rather than the constitution. A great deal of the governor's power comes in the form of the appointments he fills to head state agencies. By 1960, governors had the power to appoint staff to 274 positions. Another power of gubernatorial jurisdiction exists in the form of fiscal control. As the chairman of the Finance Council, the governor is the leading member in the development of the state budget. In addition, the governor is the state commander-in-chief and appoints an adjutant-general as the head of the Kansas National Guard.
From the description of Records of the Kansas Governor's Office, 1861-[ongoing]. (Kansas State Historical Society). WorldCat record id: 47658674
