Texas State Government
The Executive Branch
p. 641 - 644
The Function of the Executive Branch
• The executive branch carries out the laws
passed by the legislature.
• It also conducts the business of the state.
• Executive power is shared by elected
officials and those appointed by the
governor.
The Governor of Texas
• The governor is the head of the executive
branch of Texas government.
• Although elected to terms of four years,
there is no limit to the number of terms a
governor may serve.
• To qualify for office, one must be at least
30 years old, a U.S. citizen, and a resident
of Texas for at least five years.
Executive Powers of the Government
• One executive power is to make
appointments to boards and commissions.
• The governor also has the power to
remove certain officials, such as a judge
engaged in a serious misconduct.
• With the approval of the Senate, the
governor can remove anyone he or she
has appointed to a board or commission.
Legislative Powers of the Governor
• The governor of Texas holds three
important legislative powers:
– Send messages to the legislature explaining
the governor’s policy goals.
– Veto power
• A line-item veto gives the governor the
power to reject particular items in
appropriations bills.
– To call special sessions of the legislature for
emergency business.
Other Powers of the Governor
• The governor appoints the members of
the Board of Pardons and Paroles, the
Board of Criminal Justice, the Texas Youth
Commission, and other commissions that
deal with offenders.
• The governor can delay execution of
prisoners or grant pardons.
• The governor serves as the commander in
chief of Texas.
Other Elected Members
• 5 other members of the executive branch
are chosen in statewide selections:
– Lieutenant governor – President of the
Senate
– Attorney General –state’s lawyer
– Comptroller of public accounts – chief tax collector
– Commissioner of the General Land Office –
manages the land and mineral rights owned
by Texas
– Commissioner of agriculture – enforces
agricultural laws