CHAPTER 9: The Executive Branch

Gubernatorial Qualifications & Elections

Constitutional requirements (30 years old, U.S. citizen, 5 years state residence) and off-year election timing.

Removal of a Governor

Impeachment by the House and conviction by 2/3 of the Senate.

Powers of the Governor - executive

Appointment power (3,000+ board/commission slots), patronage, senatorial courtesy.

Powers of the Governor: Legislative

Message power, special session calling, vetoes.

Powers of the Governor: Judicial

Clemency, filling judicial vacancies prior to elections.

Powers of the Governor: Budgetary

Executive budget proposal vs. Legislative Budget Board (LBB) power.

Lieutenant Governor

Presides over the Senate, chairs the Legislative Budget Board.

Attorney General

Chief civil attorney, legal opinions, child support collection, suing federal agencies.

Comptroller of Public Accounts

Revenue forecasting, tax collection, certification of the state budget.

Land Commissioner

Heads the General Land Office (GLO), manages public lands, mineral rights, and Veteran's Land Program.

Agriculture Commissioner

Enforces agricultural laws, weights, and measurement inspections.

Secretary of State

Sole appointed plural executive member; chief elections officer and public records manager.

Railroad Commission of Texas (RRC)

3-member elected board regulating oil and natural gas (no longer railroads).

State Board of Education (SBOE)

15-member elected board approving public school curricula and textbooks.

Public Utilities Commission (PUC)

Appointed board regulating electric and phone utility rates.

Sunset Advisory Commission (SAC)

Periodic performance review system that recommends whether to continue, reorganize, or abolish state agencies.