This chapter unpacks the relationship between QRIS and ECE governance structures to describe the ways in which QRIS may theoretically impact the overall ECE system and how greater attention to governance may strengthen QRIS. It begins with a historical review of quality rating and improvement systems, and then explains the evolution of QRIS from a child-care improvement intervention to a potential policy strategy to build a more cohesive ECE system. We then introduce two key aspects of well-functioning early childhood governance structures--accountability and authority--and discuss the relationship between governance and QRIS with examples from states. The chapter concludes with a discussion of a framework for analyzing QRIS governance. (author abstract)