1972 and every four years thereafter. They serve for a four-year term and until their successor has assumed office. Contested elections for the office of governor are resolved by a majority vote of the General Assembly. The governor's term of office begins on January 1 following their election, but they may not exercise the duties of the office until delivering and undersigning the oath or affirmation of office before a justice of the North Carolina Supreme Court. The oath, which is identical for all state officials, is prescribed by the Article VI Section 7 of the constitution. Since 1877, new governors have often sworn their oaths in public inaugural ceremonies which are accompanied by celebratory balls and parades. They typically receive the Great Seal of the State North Carolina from the outgoing incumbent in a private meeting. The governor is limited to serving two consecutive terms in office, with no limits on nonconsecutive terms. In the event the governor-elect fails to qualify for their office, the lieutenant governor-elect becomes governor. The lieutenant governor is elected at the same time as the governor but on their own ticket. Powers and duties Executive authority and responsibilities The powers and duties of the governor of North Carolina are derived from the Constitution of North Carolina and state statutes. The governor is the chief executive of the state and is tasked by the constitution with faithfully carrying out the laws of the state. The governor is empowered to request agency heads in state government to report to them in writing on subjects relating to executive duties. They are authorized by the constitution to reorganize executive agencies by executive order submitted to the General Assembly, which have "the force of law" unless expressly disapproved by the assembly. They are ex officio commander in chief of the North Carolina National Guard—except when the guard is placed into federal service—and are authorized to call it into service "to execute the law". They are empowered to grant pardons and commutations to convicted criminals and serve as the state's chief representative in intergovernmental matters. They are responsible for reviewing extradition requests from other states and issuing a governor's warrant to detain persons for extradition. The constitution makes the governor the director of the state budget. In this capacity, the governor has the responsibility of monitoring revenue and expenditures to ensure the state maintains a balanced budget and preparing budget