Post on 31-Dec-2015
Texas Executive Branch
• Essential Questions:– Compare the
principles and concepts of the Texas Constitution and U.S. Constitution
– Describe the structure and function of government at the state level
The Function of the Executive Branch
• Execute or carry out the laws and policies established by the legislature
• Executive power is shared by those elected and those appointed by the governor
The Governor of Texas• 4-year term with no term
limits• 48 Texas governors• Greg Abbott is the current
governor• Rick Perry is the previous
governor and longest serving governor in Texas history
• Miriam Ferguson (1924, 1932) and Ann Richards (1990) are the only women to serve as Texas governor
Executive Powers of the Governor
• Makes appointments to boards and commissions.
• Can remove officials that have engaged in misconduct from their positions
• The Senate must approve the governor’s decision to remove anyone he or she has appointed to a board or commission
Legislative Powers of the Governor
• Three of importance:– Address the legislature– Power of veto
• The line-term veto– Allowed by the Texas
Constitution
– Gives governor power to reject particular items in appropriations bills (spending)
– Calls special sessions
Other Powers of the Governor
• Appoints members to Board of Pardons and Paroles, the Board of Criminal Justice, the Texas Youth Commission, and other law enforcement commissions
• Can delay execution of prisoners• Can appoint judges to fill vacancies
until regular elections are held• Represents Texas at meetings,
celebrations, and ceremonies• Serves as commander in chief of
Texas– In charge of the Texas State Guard– Can declare martial law in case of a state
emergency
Other Elected Members• Five other elected
members that operate outside the governor’s control:– Lieutenant Governor– Attorney General– Comptroller of Public
Accounts– Commissioner of the
General Land Office– Commissioner of
Agriculture