GovernorGenerals

Governor-General is a title used in several Commonwealth realms to denote the monarch's representative. The office is a relic of the British Empire, where the monarch, as head of state, delegated their executive authority to a governor in the colonies. As countries gained independence, many retained the monarch as their head of state, but the monarch's functions were then exercised by a Governor-General appointed on the advice of the sovereign's government in that country. The Governor-General's role is largely ceremonial and constitutional, acting as the de facto head of state. They formally assent to legislation, summon and dissolve parliament, and appoint the prime minister, though these actions are almost always performed in accordance with the advice of the elected government. The specific powers and duties vary slightly between realms. In some cases, the Governor-General may also hold commander-in-chief of the armed forces. The appointment is typically for a fixed term, usually five years, and the individual is chosen based on merit and public standing, aiming for impartiality.