The following is a list of Governors of the State of Ohio and the Northwest Territory which preceded it. The governor is the head of the executive branch of Ohio's government and the commander-in-chief of the state's military forces. The governor has a duty to enforce state laws; the power to either approve or veto bills passed by the Ohio Legislature; the power to convene the legislature; and the power to grant pardons, except in cases of treason and impeachment.