What legislative policy making role is a governor expected to fill?

Would it be that the governor attends political-party dinners, speaks at party functions, and may campaign for party candidates in local elections.

Those are not legislative policy making roles.

http://www.wisegeek.com/what-are-a-governors-responsibilities.htm

No, the role you described is more closely associated with a party leader or a party activist, rather than a legislative policy-making role for a governor. The primary responsibility of a governor in legislative policy-making is to propose and advocate for policies and laws that will benefit the state and its citizens.

To determine the specific legislative policy-making role of a governor, we can follow these steps:

1. Review the state's constitution: Each state may have different provisions regarding the governor's powers and responsibilities. By examining the state's constitution or relevant laws, you can gain insights into the governor's legislative role.

2. Analyze the governor's executive budget proposal: In most states, the governor plays a significant role in the budgetary process. By reviewing the governor's proposed budget, you can identify the policy priorities and agenda that the governor seeks to advance through legislative action.

3. Study the governor's legislative proposals: Governors often draft and introduce legislation on various policy issues. By examining the bills or proposals sponsored or supported by the governor, you can understand the specific policy areas where the governor seeks to make a legislative impact.

4. Observe the governor's engagement with the state legislature: Governors engage with the legislature by lobbying for their policy proposals, delivering state of the state addresses, and negotiating with lawmakers to advance their agenda. By researching these activities, you can gauge the level of involvement and influence the governor has in the policy-making process.

Overall, a governor is primarily expected to fulfill a legislative policy-making role by proposing and advocating for policies, working with the state legislature, and influencing the policymaking process. Attending political-party events and campaigning for party candidates are more aligned with the governor's role as a political figure and party member.