POLS 207: Governors

What is the central figure in American STATE politics?

the governor

Can the Governor MAKE laws?

no

Does Texas have a TRUE head of government?

no: not single person in charge of the entire bureaucracy

What kind of executive does Texas have?

plural executive

Is the Governor in TEXAS a weak or strong position?

an institutionally weak position: due to corruption of the Davis administration

What are FORMAL powers?

powers for the governor that came from the Constitution and the statutes passed by the Legislature

What are INFORMAL powers?

personality, leadership qualities, persuasive powers, stemming from personal strengths

Do we have term limits in Texas?

no

Who are the term limits for the Governor?

the people: the governor can serve as long as they continue getting reelected

Who was the longest governor in Texas?

Rick Perry- 14yrs

What are some roles of the Governor?

• ceremonial head of state

• chief legislator

• chief administrator

• crisis manager

What is the DUAL-BUDGETING system?

Both the LBB (Legislative Budget Board) and the Governor submit a budget to the Legislative

Where is the DUAL-BUDGETING system located in the Texas Constitution?

Article 3

Who's budget is more likely to be considered: the Governor's or the LBB"s?

LBB

Can the governor just not submit a budget?

no, its unconstitutional

Who sends bills to the State Legislature?

The governor: serves as the initiator of public policy decisions

What is the key factor of a SUCCESSFUL governor?

how well they work with their legislature

harder in divided governments

What do lobbyists provide?

information to legislators and/or governors

What is MESSAGE power?

Use the State of the State address to tell the Legislature what they want to get done

What is executive power in this country?

The power to persuade, not command