Naturally Arkansas's more than 2 million residents look to the governor for executive leadership. The governor of The Natural State is able to wield power through several methods. The governor may issue executive orders, which stay in place until they are repealed, and policy directives, effective only while the governor who issued them is in office. The governor also appoints the members of the state's boards and commissions and is able to grant reprieves and pardons for convicted criminals. Citizens may request that the governor make proclamations to honor accomplishments. Additionally the governor pursues formal initiatives for change in such areas as education and economic development.