The Governor of Illinois is the head of the executive branch of Illinois's state government and the commander-in-chief of the state's military forces. The governor has a duty to enforce state laws and the power to either approve or veto bills passed by the Illinois Legislature, to convene the legislature, and to grant pardons. Governors and other state-wide officials are chosen to four-year terms in the off-year cycle (not in the same year as the presidential elections).