DRAFT CONSTITUTION'S PROVISIONS 467
Section 4. 17 Return of Veto Bills
Again the ten-day limitation is insufficient and a twenty-day limit is
the absolute minimum that should be exacted.
However, a major improvement exists wherein the Draft Constitu-
tion has removed the mandatory provision for immediate reconsidera-
tion of vetoed bills by the General Assembly.
Section 4. 18 Organization of Principal Departments
For a constitution to endure it must be flexible, providing direc-
tion rather than detail. This concept is recognized by the provisions
of Section 4. 18, authorizing and delegating the organization of the
executive and legislative branches to statutory determination. This
enables the State administration to adjust to changing responsibilities
without resorting to constitutional amendment. At the same time, I
share the view of the commission which prepared the Draft Constitu-
tion that the number of principal departments should be prescribed
by law.
Section 4. 19 Reorganization of Principal Departments
This measure provides the Governor with essential reorganizational
powers. Expanding and varying state problems virtually demand this
authorization of executive initiative. While I endorse the right of
the General Assembly to approve or disapprove any reorganization
plan presented by the Governor, I am concerned that the draft pro-
vision enables the General Assembly to modify any proposal.
Legislative ability to modify reorganization plans obscures the
clear lines of executive responsibility. Moreover, the General Assembly
may be unaware of the effect of modification on other executive func-
tions. Prohibition of the power to modify does not deny the legisla-
tive branch the right to propose administrative reorganization or to
reject it. It simply prevents revisions which might create a structure
deviating in part or entirety from the administration's original ob-
jectives.
Section 4. 20 Appointment and Removal of Administrative Officers
I fully accept the content of Section 4. 20. If gubernatorial policies
are to be implemented, it is essential to assure the cooperation of all
principal department heads through direct and unlimited line respon-
sibility.
Section 4. 21 Appointment and Removal of Administrative Boards
and Commissions
The provisions of Section 4. 21 refer to the multi-headed admin-
istrative unit. A series of policy-making boards and commissions has
|