Chapter 9: The Executive Branch (Texas) - Practice Flashcards

Key concepts, terms, and definitions covering the governor’s powers, the plural executive, legislative interactions, judicial influence, and the bureaucracy as described in Chapter 9.

Appointive power

The governor's authority to nominate individuals to head appointive offices, subject to Senate approval.

Plural executive

A system in which executive power is distributed among several independently elected officials, not centralized in the governor.

Elected department heads in Texas’ plural executive

Attorney General, Comptroller of Public Accounts, Commissioner of the General Land Office, and Commissioner of Agriculture.

Secretary of State

The only constitutional executive appointed by the governor, confirmed by the Senate, who serves as chief elections officer and handles charters, permits, and extraditions.

State Board of Education (SBOE)

A 15-member elected board with curriculum, textbook, and Permanent School Fund oversight; authority is limited compared to the Texas Education Agency.

Texas Education Agency (TEA)

Agency headed by the Commissioner of Education; administers Texas public education and oversees school performance and accreditation.

Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB)

Agency that provides statewide coordination for public higher education and designates chairs within the board.

Line-item veto

The governor’s power to strike specific line-items in a spending bill while enacting the rest.

General veto (standing veto)

The governor’s ability to veto a bill or resolution; overridden only by a two-thirds vote of both houses.

Veto override

During a session, a two-thirds majority in both the House and Senate can override a governor’s veto.

Postadjournment veto

A veto exercised after a legislative session has ended, within 20 days.

Special session

A session called by the governor, limited to 30 days, with a specified agenda and limited topics.

Succession order

If the governor cannot serve, succession goes to lieutenant governor, then president pro tempore of the Senate, then Speaker of the House, attorney general, and the chief justices of the Court of Appeals, in ascending order.

Lieutenant Governor as president of the Senate

The lieutenant governor is the presiding officer of the Senate and first in the line of succession for the governor.

Recess appointment

An appointment made by the governor while the Legislature is not in session; must be submitted to the Senate for confirmation within 10 days after session resumes.

Removal power

Governor’s power to remove officials is limited; most independent boards and elected officials cannot be removed by the governor alone and require Senate action or other procedures.

Impeachment

A two-step process: the House impeaches with a simple majority; the Senate convicts with a two-thirds vote, resulting in removal from office.

Clemency powers

Governor’s authority to grant pardons, conditional pardons, reprieves, and commutations, usually on the Board of Pardons and Paroles’ recommendation.

Full pardon

Clemency that releases a convicted person from all penalties and restores rights; may be granted posthumously.

Conditional pardon

Clemency that releases a person but with conditions; can be revoked for violations of terms.

Reprieve

Temporary delay of execution or punishment; governor may grant a 30-day reprieve independently.

Commutation of sentence

Reduction of a sentence, typically on the Board of Pardons and Paroles’ recommendation.

Executive orders

Directives issued by the governor to set policy within the executive branch or create/dissolve agencies or tasks; not frequently used in Texas.

Proclamations

Official public announcements used for emergencies, disasters, elections, or ceremonial purposes.

Sunset review process

A periodic evaluation (every ~12 years) of state agencies by the Sunset Advisory Commission to determine whether to abolish, merge, reorganize, or retain them.

Sunset Advisory Commission

A 10-legislator plus 2 public-member body that reviews agencies and makes recommendations; can suggest abolition, merging, or reforms.

Budgetary power

Governor’s influence over spending through budget preparation, line-item vetoes, and negotiation with the Legislature’s Budget Board.

Gubernatorial compensation and benefits

The governor’s salary (e.g., $153,750 in 2020-2021), security, staff, and housing; travel costs are public funds.

Informal powers of the governor

Non-legal influence derived from popularity, public speeches, media presence, symbolism, and personal networks.

Quo warranto

A legal action initiated by the Attorney General to challenge someone’s right to hold a public office.

Two major challenges facing the Texas bureaucracy

Fragmentation of executive power and coordination challenges across many boards and commissions.