Are the authors justified in calling the executive powers of the lieutenant governor limited?

Question

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In many jurisdictions, particularly in the United States, the lieutenant governor is often considered the second-highest executive official after the governor. The specific powers and responsibilities of the lieutenant governor can vary significantly from state to state. However, in general, the role is often seen as largely ceremonial with some key responsibilities that can include:
1. Succession: The primary role of the lieutenant governor is typically to succeed the governor in case of death, resignation, impeachment, or inability to serve.
2. Presiding Officer: In many states, the lieutenant governor serves as the president of the state senate, with the ability to cast tie-breaking votes.
3. Acting Governor: The lieutenant governor may serve as acting governor when the governor is out of state or otherwise incapacitated.
4. Appointments and Committees: The lieutenant governor may sit on various boards or commissions, or have the power to make certain appointments, depending on the state's laws.
5. Policy Advocacy: Some lieutenant governors take an active role in advocating for specific policies or initiatives, although they may have limited formal power to enact them.
Given these roles, the term "limited" could be justified if the authors are comparing the lieutenant governor's powers to those of the governor, who typically has a much broader executive authority, including veto power, the ability to call special legislative sessions, and extensive appointment powers. The governor is usually the chief executive officer of the state, with significant influence over the state's budget, administration, and policy direction.
If the authors are arguing that the lieutenant governor's powers are limited, they may be highlighting the largely supportive and contingent nature of the role, where the lieutenant governor's executive functions are often dependent on the absence or delegation of the governor, rather than independent authority.
In conclusion, the authors could be justified in calling the executive powers of the lieutenant governor limited if they are emphasizing the relative lack of independent executive authority and the contingency of the role compared to the governor. The justification for this characterization would depend on the specific duties and powers assigned to the lieutenant governor in the relevant jurisdiction, as well as the historical and practical exercise of those powers.

Are the Authors Justified in Calling the Executive Powers of the Lieutenant