Chapter 9: The Executive Branch – Vocabulary

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms related to the Texas Governor and the Executive Branch as described in Chapter 9.

appointive power

The governor's authority to nominate and appoint individuals to head state agencies and other offices, subject to Senate approval.

advice and consent

Constitutional requirement that most gubernatorial appointments be confirmed by the Texas Senate (typically by a two‑thirds vote of those present).

recess appointment

An appointment made by the governor while the legislature is not in session; must be submitted to the Senate for confirmation when it reconvenes.

senatorial courtesy

Tradition of obtaining approval from the state senator representing a prospective appointee’s district before sending the nomination to the Senate.

line-item veto

Governor’s power to strike specific spending items in an appropriations bill while allowing the rest to become law.

postadjournment veto

Veto of pending legislation after the legislative session ends; valid for 20 days after adjournment.

veto power

Governor’s ability to reject bills or concurrent resolutions; overrides require a two‑thirds vote in both houses.

executive orders

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

proclamation

Official public announcement by the governor, often used to declare disasters, emergencies, or to call special sessions.

budgetary power

Governor’s influence over spending, including proposing a budget and using vetoes; legislature controls the purse strings.

Chief Executive

The head of the state’s executive branch responsible for enforcing laws and managing the administration.

plural executive

Texan structure where several independently elected officials share executive power, limiting the governor’s formal authority.

head of state

Informal role of the governor as a symbolic leader and representative of the state in public life.

informal powers

Powers not granted by law but derived from popularity, tradition, and media to influence policy.

impeachment

Process by which the House brings charges and the Senate, by two‑thirds, convicts to remove a governor from office.

clemency

Governor’s power to grant pardons, paroles, reprieves, or commutations, often with Board of Pardons and Paroles involvement.

full pardon

Release from all consequences of a crime and restoration of rights, sometimes granted posthumously.

conditional pardon

Pardon that releases from punishment but withheld rights; can be revoked for violations of terms.

reprieve

Temporary delay or suspension of execution of a sentence.

commutation of sentence

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

succession

Order of replacement for the governor (Lieutenant Governor, President Pro Tempore, Speaker, Attorney General, etc.).

lieutenant governor

Popularly elected official who presides over the Senate and is first in line of succession to the governor.

Sunset Advisory Commission

Body that reviews state agencies and recommends abolition, merger, or retention of agencies.

sunset review process

A biennial cycle in which agencies are evaluated to determine necessity and efficiency; outcomes can include abolition, merger, or retention.

Secretary of State

Governor’s appointee (Senate-confirmed) who serves as the chief elections officer and oversees corporations, charters, extraditions, and more.

Attorney General

Texas’s chief legal officer; represents the state in litigation, issues advisory opinions, and can initiate quo warranto to challenge officials.

Comptroller of Public Accounts

State’s chief accounting officer and tax collector; certifies revenue, designates depositories, and oversees accounting standards.

General Land Office

Headed by the land commissioner; manages state lands, leases, and the Permanent School Fund.

Commissioner of Agriculture

Head of the Department of Agriculture; enforces agricultural laws, inspects markets, regulates pesticides, and supports farmers.

Texas Education Agency (TEA)

State agency that administers public education; led by the commissioner of education with SBOE oversight.

State Board of Education (SBOE)

15 elected members who set curriculum standards and oversee textbook review and Permanent School Fund investments.

Sunset Review Process

Process whereby agencies are periodically reviewed to determine if they should be abolished, merged, or retained.