The participation of the chief executive, whether president or governor, in matters of legislation, is not limited, however, to the exercise of the veto power. The president is directed to give to Congress, from time to time, "information of the state of the Union, and recommend to their consideration such measures as he shall judge necessary and expedient" (Const. Art. II, § 3), and similar provisions are found in state constitutions with reference to the governor. Accordingly, it is the practice for the executive to indicate in a message to the legislative body at the beginning of each session such measures of legislation as he deems important to be considered, and he may at other times, in special messages, propose other measures for their consideration. These measures are not, however, officially proposed in the form of statutes, but by way of recommendations, in order that appropriate bills may be framed and passed by the legislative body, if the majority of the members thereof approv e of the proposed legislation.

By the same section of the federal constitution it is provided that the president may, on extraordinary occasions, convene both houses of Congress in extra session, or, in case of disagreement between them as to the time of adjournment, may adjourn them to such time as he shall think proper, and similar provisions are found in state constitutions. There has been little occasion to exercise the power to adjourn, but the power to call extra sessions when some emergency arises rendering legislative action important is frequently resorted to.