Texas History

Fort Burrows

20.3 - The Executive Branch

The Main Idea :

The Governor of Texas has important powers over every Branch of Government. However, our Governor’s powers are much weaker than those of most governors.

Vocabulary –

line item veto – only during budget, the Governor can reject parts and pieces of a bill

martial law - temporary rule by the military

pardon - a Governor’s release from punishment for a crime

The Texas Governor heads the Executive Branch. The term of each Governor last four years. This happened in 1972 when the Constitution was changed to increase the term from 2 years to 4 years. A person must be at least 30 years old and have lived in Texas for 5 years to be able to become Governor. In the last 100 years, all but 3 were Native Texan. Oscar Colquit – Georgia, Pappy O’Daniel – Ohio, & George Dubya Bush – Connecticut.
The Governor of Texas has less power than the Governors of some other states. Still, he or she does have many powers. The Governor can veto bills passed by the Legislature. When that happens, the bill does not become law unless the veto is overturned. The Governor can also use the
Line-item veto. This power lets the Governor turn down a single line of information or a whole page and approve the rest.
The Governor has many other powers. He or she is in charge of the state National Guard. In an emergency, he or she can declare martial law. /
The Governor can also pick the people to fill many state offices. He or she can name people to fill posts on more than 200 different boards and commissions in the State Government. These people have to be approved by the Senate.
The Governor also has some power over the state’s court system. He or she can issue a pardon to someone guilty of a crime.
Another power is that the Governor can use the office as a platform to speak directly to the voters about issues.
The Executive Branch includes other officials. They are described in the table below.
Some important work is done by different boards and commissions. In some, members are chosen by voters. In others, the Governor names them. Example - The Railroad Commission, The Texas Education Agency ( TEA ) which plays a role in the state’s schools. It also pays Mr. Burrows’ and Ms. Beard’s salary, etc. etc. etc….

The Office of Governor

ó  Four year terms

ó  Must be At least 30 Years old

ó  Must be a US citizen

ó  Must be a resident of Texas for 5 years

ó  State lawmakers set the governor’s salary

ó  The Governor lives in the executive mansion in Austin, ALL bills PAID

Power the Governor has Over the Branches of Government
LEGISLATIVE / EXECUTIVE / JUDICIAL
Can Veto Legislation / Commander-In-Chief of National Guard / Can grant a pardon to a criminal
Has Line Item Veto / Can Declare Martial Law / Can reduce sentences for criminals
Can Call Special
Legislative Sessions / Carries out the laws
of the state / Can delay an execution up to 30 days
Delivers the State of the State Address to Legislature each Session / The state’s chief law enforcement officer / Can return a Fugitive to another state where crime was committed
Message Power - can use public recognition to promote or defeat, new laws or programs / Can appoint officials to more than 200 commissions
2/3 of Senate must approve
Must have Senates permission to FIRE Officials

Other Powerful Members of the Executive Branch

Lieutenant Governor

  Takes on Governor’s duties when the Governor is out of State

  Serves as the Head of the Senate

Attorney General

  State’s chief lawyer

  Defends the State in Civil Law

  Can sue to force people/corporations to pay taxes

  Give legal advice to State Agencies

  Can launch investigations into suspected illegal activities

Secretary of State

  Appointed by Governor, Not Elected by the People

  Handles Voter Registration, Publishing State Laws, etc. matters that involve elections

  Publishes State Laws and Grants Charters to new Companies coming to Texas

  Maintains the File on the Formal Acts of the Governor and the Legislature

Comptroller

  Chief tax collector of the state

  Keeps track of how the state spends tax money

  Estimates the state’s income two (2) years into the future

  Oversees payment of bills of Texas

Treasurer

  Authorizes payment of bills ( electric, water, cable, internet, etc )

  Oversees the Banks of Texas

General Land Office

  Controls the use of public lands

  Issues land grants for grazing, oil drilling, etc

Commissioner of Agriculture

  Enforces Laws and Rules that deal with Farms and Ranches

Boards and Commissions

Boards and Commissions regulate many trades and professions. The Governor appoints many of the members of these groups. Some are elected by voters.

Railroad Commission

  Oversees Railroads, Trucking, Oil, and Gas Industries

Texas Education Agency

  Oversees the Texas Education Agency ( TEA )

  Funding for schools

  Sets Standards and Test – YEA !!! -- S T A A R --

  Evaluates Schools like us Exemplary

1. Who is the Commander in Chief of the Texas National Guard?

A. the Attorney General

B. the Secretary of State

C. the Governor

D. the Treasurer

2. What judiciary power does the governor have?

A. the Governor may convert a death sentence to a life sentence

B. the Governor is the chief justice of the Texas Supreme Court

C. the Governor can delay executions for six months

D. the Governor may grant a pardon for a criminal

3. What is the Governor’s most important Legislative power ?

______

______

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4. What is the importance of the duties of the Comptroller of public accounts ?

______

______

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5. What are the powers and duties of the Texas Education Agency ?

______

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