The office of lieutenant Governor was created by Article 5, Sec. 2 of the Indiana Constitution. The term of office is four years, the same as that of the governor. Candidates for lieutenant governor are nominated at an annual party convention. The party's nominees for governor and lieutenant governor then run as a team, ensuring that those elected will be of the same political party and governing philosophy.
Under the Indiana Constitution, the lieutenant governor is charged with presiding over the Senate during its session, as well as casting deciding votes in the event of a tie. In addition, the lieutenant governor is charged with assuming the role of governor if the sitting governor becomes unable to fulfill the duties of office or if the office falls vacant due to death.
With the creation of the Indiana Economic Development Corporation in 2005, other responsibilities of the lieutenant governor now include overseeing these state agencies:
- Indiana State Department of Agriculture
- Indiana Housing & Community Development
- Indiana Office of Tourism Development
- Indiana Office of Community & Rural Affairs
The lieutenant governor also chairs the Indiana Mental Health Roundtable, the Intellectual and Development Disabilities Task Force, and the Civics Education Commission.