This a List of Governors of the United States. The Governor of the United States is the de facto head of state of the United States (the constitution does not officially designate a head of state or government). As chief of the executive branch and head of the federal government as a whole, the Governorship is the highest political official position in the United States by influence and recognition, though has become largely a ceremonial role. The governor is also the Commander-in-Chief of the U.S. armed forces. The Governor is indirectly elected to serve during "good behavior" (usually life) by an Electoral College.