He shall take care, that the laws be faithfully executed; shall communicate to the Legislature, at every session, the condition of the Commonwealth, and recommend to their consideration such measures as he may deem expedient. He shall be Commander-in-chief of the land and naval forces of the State. He shall have power to embody the militia, when in his opinion the public safety shall require it; to convene the Legislature, on application of a majority of the members of the House of Delegates, or when, in his opinion, the interest of the Commonwealth may require it; to grant reprieves and pardons, except where the prosecution shall have been carried on by the House of Delegates, or the law shall otherwise particularly direct; to conduct, either in person, or in such manner as shall be prescribed by law, all intercourse with other and foreign States; and during the recess of the Legislature, to fill, pro tempore, all vacancies in those offices, which it may be the duty of the Legislature to fill permanently: Provided, that his appointments to such vacancies shall be by commissions to expire at the end of the next succeeding session of the General Assembly.

There shall be a Council of State, to consist of three members, any one or more of whom may act. They shall be elected by joint vote of both Houses of the General Assembly, and remain in office three years. But of those first elected, one, to be designated by lot, shall remain in office for one year only, and one other to be designated in like manner, shall remain in office for two years only. Vacancies occurring by expiration of the term of service, or otherwise, shall be supplied by elections made in like manner. The Governor shall, before he exercises any discretionary power conferred on him by the Constitution and laws, require the advice of the Council of State, which advice shall be registered in books kept for that purpose, signed by the members present and consenting thereto, and laid before the General Assembly when called for by them. The Council shall appoint their own Clerk, who shall take an oath to keep secret such matters as he shall be ordered by the board to conceal. The Senior Councillor shall be Lieutenant Governor; and, in case of the death, resignation, inability or absence of the Governor from the seat of Government, shall act as Governor.