The term of office of the Governor is defined in each of the ten State Constitutions as follows:

1777 (Article XXIII): one year term; could not succeed himself
1789 (Article 11): two year term
1798 (Article 11): two year term
1861 (Article 111): two year term
1865 (Article 111): two year term; could succeed himself for one additional two year term
1868 (Article IV): four year term
1877 (Article V): two year term; could succeed himself for one additional two year term
1941 Constitutional Amendment: four year term; could not succeed himself
1945 (Article V): four year term; could not succeed himself
1976 (Article V): four year term; could succeed himself for one additional four year term
1983 (Article V): four year term; could succeed himself for one additional four year term

*Because of conflicting statements in various sources, there are many uncertainties and ambiguities concerning party labels and it is difficult to verify true political party affiliations. There are no party designations 1783 - 1788.

**Served more than one term, but not in succession.

***Eugene Talmadge was elected governor but died on December 21, 1946, before taking office. The Legislature elected his son, Herman E. Talmadge, to serve his unexpired term. He served 67 days but vacated office when the State Supreme Court ruled that the Constitutional provision under which he was elected was not applicable in that instance and Ellis Arnall's term continued until the next election. When Melvin E. Thompson was sworn in as Lieutenant Governor, Arnall resigned and Thompson served as Acting Governor until the next General Election. Herman Talmadge defeated M. E. Thompson in the September 1948 Primary Election and was elected in the General Election, November 2, 1948, to complete the unexpired term of his father.

Source: Georiga Offical and Statical Register, 1989-1990(1993):199-207