Chapter 8

What is the primary role of the governor as Chief Executive?

To control the executive branch of state government.

How have governors' powers changed in recent decades?

Governors have been granted greater formal control over government machinery and appointments.

What is a plural-executive system?

A system where the governor shares power with separately elected officials, boards, or commissions.

What influence do governors have over state legislatures?

Governors can outline proposals and work with legislators to translate them into bills.

What is a supermajority vote in the context of state legislatures?

A vote that requires two-thirds approval to override a governor's veto.

What is the governor's role in state budgeting?

The governor proposes the state budget, detailing funding for agencies and programs.

How much control do governors have over their cabinet officials?

Most governors now choose their cabinet officials, subject to state senate confirmation.

What happens if a governor's appointees perform poorly?

The governor has the authority to fire them.

What role did governors play during the COVID-19 pandemic?

Governors acted as chief spokespersons, holding briefings and making critical decisions.

How do governors promote their states to businesses?

They travel internationally to highlight business advantages and attract jobs.

What is the role of governors as party chiefs?

Governors lead their political parties, recruit candidates, and raise campaign funds.

What are formal powers of governors?

Formal powers include the ability to appoint officials and prepare state budgets.

How did the appointment powers of governors change over time?

Initially, governors lacked appointment powers; now they can appoint officials to run state agencies.

What is the significance of a governor's ability to prepare state budgets?

It allows governors to shape state policies and maintain control over state agencies.

What challenges do governors face regarding their powers?

Legislatures may attempt to strip powers from governors, especially during lame-duck sessions.

What is the impact of a governor's public image?

A governor's response to crises can affect their reelection chances and political agenda.

What is the relationship between governors and state party chairs?

Governors often select state party chairs and influence party activities.

How do governors use media attention?

Governors use media to campaign for their supported candidates and promote policies.

What is the role of governors in international trade?

Governors actively seek international trade opportunities to boost their state's economy.

How do governors influence the legislative process?

By proposing budgets and working with legislators to pass laws.

What responsibilities do governors have regarding state agencies?

Governors oversee the performance and funding of state agencies.

How do governors' terms and powers compare to the past?

Governors now have longer terms and more authority than in earlier decades.

What is the significance of the governor's veto power?

It allows governors to reject legislation, influencing the legislative agenda.

What challenges do governors face in appointing officials?

Appointments can be delayed or rejected by state legislatures.

What is the role of governors in disaster response?

Governors are expected to respond swiftly to disasters, impacting their public perception.

How do governors interact with federal programs?

Governors manage state-level implementation of federally mandated programs.

What power does a governor have regarding agency funding?

A governor can deny funds or shift money among departments to ensure agencies focus on the governor's priorities.

How can a governor influence agency spending priorities?

By threatening to withhold a percentage of the agency's overall budget.

What is the process for overriding a governor's veto?

Legislators can override vetoes, but it is infrequent due to supermajority vote requirements.

What happens when the legislature and governor's office are held by opposing parties?

Vetoes become routine, and legislators often work with the governor to craft bills that will be signed.

What is the line-item veto?

A power that allows governors to reject just a portion of a bill.

What is a famous example of a governor using pardon power?

In 2003, Illinois governor George Ryan pardoned four death row prisoners and commuted the sentences of 167 others.

What significant action did Louisiana governor John Bel Edwards take in 2022?

He posthumously pardoned Homer Plessy, who was arrested in 1892 for refusing to leave a segregated railroad car.

What is the governor's power to call special sessions?

Every governor can call the legislature into session to address particular issues.

Why might a governor call a special session?

To deal with urgent issues or to allow legislators to focus on complex matters.

How does popular support affect a governor's power?

A more popular governor is likely to have an easier time getting their agenda passed.

What demographic has historically dominated governorships?

Middle-aged white males.

Who was the first African American governor elected in the U.S.?

Douglas Wilder of Virginia.

What notable firsts occurred in gubernatorial elections in 2016 and 2022?

Jared Polis became the first openly gay man elected governor in 2018, and Maura Healey and Tina Kotek became the first openly lesbian women elected in 2022.

What trend has been observed in gubernatorial elections regarding non-politicians?

Many non-politicians, such as Arnold Schwarzenegger and Jesse Ventura, have been elected governors.

What is a common background for most governors?

Most have previous government experience, often in Congress or state legislatures.

What are off-year elections?

Gubernatorial elections held in the second year of the presidential term to avoid national issues.

How do national trends affect gubernatorial elections?

Gubernatorial races are less influenced by national trends compared to U.S. Senate elections, with a focus on state-specific issues.

What is the dominant concern in most gubernatorial contests?

The state economy.

What is one reason voters are better informed about gubernatorial candidates?

Greater news coverage of gubernatorial races.

Who resigned as Connecticut governor in June 2004?

John Rowland.

What led to John Rowland's resignation?

Investigation for accepting gifts from a contractor and possible impeachment.

Name a governor who resigned amid a sex scandal in 2017.

Robert Bentley of Alabama.

What scandal led to Eliot Spitzer's resignation in 2008?

Involvement in a prostitution scandal.

What was the reason for Jim McGreevey's resignation in 2004?

He admitted to being gay and faced allegations of appointing his lover to a state position.

What significant event occurred in California in 2003 regarding Gray Davis?

He was the first governor forced to leave office by a recall election.

What is the common limit for gubernatorial terms in 37 states?

Two terms or two consecutive terms.

Which two states have no limits on the number of terms a governor may serve?

Vermont and New Hampshire.

How has the perception of the lieutenant governor's office changed in recent years?

It has gained more importance and responsibilities in various states.

What role does the lieutenant governor often play in state government?

Presiding over the state senate and addressing various issues as assigned by the governor.

What is the traditional view of the attorney general's role in a state?

The top law enforcement officer with minimal duties due to county-level prosecutions.

How have state attorneys general become more politically active?

By banding together to sue the federal government on partisan issues.

What significant action did Republican attorneys general take after the 2020 election?

They filed a brief supporting Trump campaign allegations of voter fraud.

What has become routine for state attorneys general during presidential administrations?

Suing the federal government on various policies.

What role do state attorneys general play in consumer protection?

They collaborate in multistate cases against financial firms and manufacturers.

What is a notable trend regarding the funding of attorney general campaigns?

Increased financial support from business groups and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.

What is the role of the state superintendent of education in some states?

To oversee education, with only a few states electing this position directly.

What is the common structure for executive branches in many states regarding agriculture?

States either elect or appoint a secretary of agriculture.

What is the primary responsibility of secretaries of state in most states?

Regulating elections.

What concern arises with the increasing partisan interest in secretary of state races?

These offices may become viewed as extensions of partisan movements rather than independent election watchdogs.

What is the role of secretaries of state in elections?

They serve as independent election watchdogs, but their campaigns can be influenced by partisan interests and super PACs.

What partisan pressure did Trump exert on Georgia's secretary of state?

Trump pressured Brad Raffensperger to find 12,000 votes to change the election outcome in his favor.

What is the historical significance of the Texas governorship?

Texans have historically been skeptical of government power, influenced by their colonial experiences.

What are the three main requirements to be governor of Texas?

Must be over 30 years old, a Texas resident for at least five years, and a US citizen.

What is unique about Texas's requirement for governors regarding state citizenship?

Texas does not require the governor to be a citizen of Texas.

Who were the first two women elected as governors of Texas?

Miriam A. 'Ma' Ferguson in 1924 and Ann Richards in 1990.

What is the term length for Texas governors?

Texas governors serve four-year terms with no limit on the number of terms.

What is the order of succession if the Texas governor cannot serve?

Lieutenant governor, President pro tempore of Texas Senate, Speaker of the Texas House, Attorney general.

What is the current salary of the Texas governor?

The salary is currently $153,750, which is above the average for US governors.

What is the impeachment process for Texas governors?

The Texas House must pass articles of impeachment, leading to a trial in the Texas Senate.

Who is the only governor in Texas history to have been impeached?

James 'Pa' Ferguson.

What powers are limited for the Texas governor due to the 1876 Constitution?

The governor has limited appointment, veto, and budget powers.

What is the governor's appointment power?

The ability to select individuals for key positions within the state bureaucracy.

What is 'appointment creep' in the context of the Texas governorship?

The increase in the number of appointments the governor makes over time due to new agencies and commissions.

What is a recess appointment?

An appointment made by the governor while the Texas Senate is not in session, requiring Senate approval within ten days of the next session.

What is a plural executive in Texas?

An executive branch where traditional functions are divided among several elected officeholders rather than concentrated in the governor.

What significant role does the secretary of state play in Texas?

The secretary of state is the most significant gubernatorial appointment and oversees elections.

What influence does the size of Texas have on the governor's role?

The size of Texas makes the governor's position important and visible.

What historical context influenced Texans' views on government?

Early Texans viewed government as an impediment to survival, influenced by their colonial experiences.

What are the common characteristics of Texas governors?

Most are white, Protestant, wealthy men, and many have higher education and political experience.

How did the Texas governorship change after 1972?

The term length was extended to four years from the previously common two-year terms.

What is the significance of the Texas Constitution of 1876 regarding the governorship?

It established a weak governorship with limited powers to prevent centralized executive authority.

What is the governor's role in directing state bureaucracy?

The governor administers laws passed by the state legislature through appointments and executive orders.

What challenges do Texas governors face with a plural executive?

Governors may struggle to implement their agenda if executive powers are divided among elected officials from different parties.

What was the historical political alignment of Texas governors until 1978?

Texas governors were solidly Democratic until 1978.

What is senatorial courtesy?

The informal requirement that a gubernatorial appointee is approved by their own state senator to obtain support of the Texas Senate.

What is the removal power of the Texas governor?

The power to remove appointees with the consent of the Texas Senate, requiring two-thirds support.

What are holdovers in the context of Texas gubernatorial appointments?

Previous appointees left in place by the governor after their term has expired.

What is patronage?

When an elected official rewards supporters with public jobs, appointments, and government contracts.

What is an executive order?

An order issued by the governor to direct existing agencies or coordinate the state's response to address a particular issue or crisis.

What was Executive Order No. 40 issued by Governor Abbott?

It stated that no entity in Texas can compel receipt of a COVID-19 vaccine by any individual who objects for personal, religious, or medical reasons.

What is the purpose of proclamations issued by the governor?

They can be ceremonial or functional, such as declaring a state of emergency or calling a special session.

What is the budget power of the Texas governor?

The ability to exert influence on the state's budget process, which is relatively weak in Texas.

What is a line-item veto?

The ability of the executive to selectively veto parts of a bill, applicable only to appropriations bills in Texas.

What is agenda setting in the context of the Texas governor?

The ability to prioritize problems facing the state and influence which policies the legislature will address.