Reading Room Document

Governor and Secretary of Guam

The document is a legal memorandum discussing the authority of the President to remove the Governor of Guam before the expiration of the governor's four-year term. The conclusion reached is that the President does have the authority to remove the Governor, as the legislative history of the Organic Act of Guam indicates that the President's power to remove officers of the Executive Branch is not limited. The document also addresses the status of the Secretary of Guam, stating that the Secretary may be eligible for certain Civil Service protections if they are a veteran, but there are no legal obstacles to their immediate removal if they are not a veteran. The questions presented for review include the interpretation of the Organic Act in relation to the President's removal power and the status of the Secretary of Guam in terms of Civil Service protections.

April 22, 1969