130/Maryland Manual

following. If a bill is presented more than six days before the General Assembly adjourns and is not
vetoed within six days, or if a bill is presented within six days prior to the adjournment of the General
Assembly and is not vetoed within thirty days after its presentment, then the bill becomes law without the
Governor's signature. The Governor has the power to veto any part of an appropriations bill, in the same
manner as other bills, without vetoing it in its entirety (Const. 1867, Art. II, sec. 17; Art. Ill, sec. 52(6)).

The Governor is commander in chief of the military forces of the State—the National Guard—except
when such forces are called into the national service. If the National Guard is thus called, he may
establish a State Guard.

The Governor appoints all military and civil officers of the State subject to the advice and consent of
the Senate, except when the election or appointment of such officers is otherwise provided for. In addition
to appointing the heads of major departments, boards, and commissions of the State government, the
Governor appoints certain boards and commissions in each county and the City of Baltimore as provided
for by law. The Governor also commissions notaries public and appoints persons to fill vacancies in the
offices of Attorney General, Comptroller, and members of the General Assembly. Any officer appointed
by the Governor, excepting members of the General Assembly, is removable by him for cause.

The Governor may grant pardons to persons convicted of criminal acts against the State, commute the
sentences of prisoners of the State, and remit fines and forfeitures for offenses against the State. He may
extradite prisoners or persons wanted by other States upon the presentation of a writ of extradition and
may issue a warrant for the arrest of any person so wanted. The Governor may also ask for the return to
this State of any prisoner or person of another State wanted for the violation of the laws of Maryland
(Const. 1867, Art. II, sec. 20).