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….
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Texas History
Fort Burrows
The Office of Governor
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Four year terms
Must be At least 30 Years old
Must be a US citizen
Must be a resident of Texas for 5 years
State lawmakers set the governor’s salary
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
Can grant a pardon to a
National Guard
criminal
Has Line Item Veto
Can Declare Martial Law
Can reduce sentences for
criminals
Can Call Special
Carries out the laws
Can delay an execution
Legislative Sessions
of the state
up to 30 days
Delivers the State of the
The state’s chief law
Can return a Fugitive to
State Address to
enforcement officer
another state where crime
Legislature each Session
was committed
Message Power - can use
public recognition to
Can appoint officials to
promote or defeat, new
more than 200 commissions
laws or programs
2/3 of Senate must approve
Must have Senates
permission to FIRE
Officials
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Other Powerful Members of the Executive Branch
Lieutenant Governor
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Takes on Governor’s duties when the Governor is out of State
Serves as the Head of the Senate
Attorney General
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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
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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
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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
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Authorizes payment of bills ( electric, water, cable, internet, etc )
Oversees the Banks of Texas
General Land Office
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Controls the use of public lands
Issues land grants for grazing, oil drilling, etc
Commissioner of Agriculture
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Enforces Laws and Rules that deal with Farms and Ranches
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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
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Oversees Railroads, Trucking, Oil, and Gas Industries
Texas Education Agency
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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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Fort Burrows
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