I am one of the two officials responsible for overseeing the government and elected for a one year term. Who am I?

Well I don't know if this is a school work question but you just said it:

You are one of the two officials responsible for overseeing the government and elect.

o(*￣▽￣*)o

8 - (2a + 7) = a + 40     distribute/multiply - into (2a + 7)

8 - 2a - 7 = a + 40

1 - 2a = a + 40       add 2a on both sides

1 = 3a + 40         subtract 40 on both sides

-39 = 3a       divide 3 on both sides

-13 = a

[proof]

8 - (2a + 7) = a + 40

8 - (2(-13) + 7) = -13 + 40

8 - (-26 + 7) = 27

8 - (-19) = 27

8 + 19 = 27

27 = 27