Executive Powers and Taxation in Texas

executive positions in Texas

Texas has a plural executive system including the governor, lieutenant governor, attorney general, comptroller, land commissioner, agriculture commissioner, and others.

powers of the governor in Texas

The governor has appointment power, veto power, budgetary power, and the ability to call special legislative sessions.

types of vetoes

These include the line-item veto, regular veto, and post-adjournment veto.

role of governors in the budget process

The governor proposes a budget, sets spending priorities, and may use veto power to shape the final budget.

executive orders

Orders issued by the governor to direct state agencies or address issues within the executive branch.

executive positions across the states

Positions include lieutenant governor (presides over the senate), attorney general (chief legal officer), secretary of state (elections oversight), and others varying by state.

post-adjournment veto

It is used after the legislative session ends, preventing lawmakers from overriding the veto.

budget process in Texas

It involves drafting by the Legislative Budget Board (LBB), review by the legislature, and approval by the governor.

No Child Left Behind Act

A federal law from 2001 focusing on accountability, standardized testing, and improving educational outcomes.

gross domestic product

A measure of the total economic output of a country or region.

progressive taxes

Taxes that increase as income increases, such as federal income tax.

regressive taxes

Taxes that take a larger percentage from lower-income individuals, like sales taxes.

sources of tax revenue

Sales taxes, property taxes, income taxes, excise taxes, and fees.

corporate taxes

States look to keep their corporate taxes low to attract businesses and promote economic growth.

excise taxes

Taxes on specific goods like gasoline, alcohol, and tobacco.

tax burden

The proportion of income paid in taxes by individuals or businesses.

limitations on taxation

Local governments are affected the most by limitations on taxation, as they depend heavily on property and sales taxes.

Americans' view on taxes

Most Americans view taxes as necessary but often think they are too high or unfairly distributed.

merit and spoils systems

The merit system hires based on qualifications, while the spoils system appoints based on political loyalty.

outsourcing

The practice of contracting services to external organizations or businesses.

types of bonds

General obligation bonds (backed by taxes) and revenue bonds (backed by specific revenue sources).

academic performance measurement

Through standardized tests, graduation rates, and other metrics like literacy rates.

magnet schools

Public schools with specialized curriculums to attract diverse students.

charter schools

Publicly funded schools operated independently of traditional school districts.

vouchers

Government-funded subsidies that allow students to attend private schools.

funding to religious educational institutions

Money can be given when it serves a secular purpose and does not promote religion.

local compliance with state educational policy

States ensure compliance by tying funding to adherence to state regulations and standards.

control of education within a state

State boards of education or departments of education typically control education within a state.

revenue sources for schools

Most schools get their revenue from local property taxes, state funding, and federal grants.

school superintendents

They oversee daily operations, implement policies, and manage district budgets and personnel.

zoning importance

It regulates land use to ensure proper urban development and service allocation.

public welfare responsibility

Both state and federal governments share responsibility for public welfare.

payroll tax

A tax on wages to fund Social Security, Medicare, and unemployment insurance.

effect of Social Security

It has significantly reduced poverty among elderly Americans.

TANF program changes

It replaced welfare with time-limited assistance and work requirements.

Medicare

A federal health insurance program for people 65 and older or with certain disabilities.

public assistance program spending

States spend the most on Medicaid, which provides health care for low-income individuals and families.