Practicing Texas Politics - Chapter 9: The Executive Branch

Flashcards covering key concepts related to the powers, structure, and elections of the executive branch in Texas politics.

Checks and Balances

A system that ensures no one branch of government becomes too powerful, affecting the executive powers of the governor.

Appointment Power

The governor's authority to name individuals to government offices, requiring Senate approval.

Recess Appointments

Temporary appointments made by the governor that do not require the Senate's immediate consent.

Removals Power

The governor’s ability to remove appointed officials, which is limited in Texas.

Commander-in-Chief

The role of the governor as the head of the state military forces.

Veto Power

The governor's authority to reject legislation passed by the legislature.

Legislative Special Sessions

Extraordinary meetings called by the governor to address specific issues, limited to 30 days.

Acts of Executive Clemency

Powers of the governor to grant pardons, reprieves, or commutations of sentences.

Informal Powers

These are powers not defined by law, which rely on the governor's popularity and public influence.

Gubernatorial Elections

Elections held to select the governor, with specific constitutional requirements for candidates.

Plural Executive

A form of executive branch organization where multiple officials share executive powers, including the lieutenant governor and attorney general.

State Bureaucracy

The administrative system governing any large institution, including government agencies and their functions.

Succession

The process outlining who assumes the governorship in case of vacancy, such as the lieutenant governor.

Removal from Office

The process by which the governor can be impeached and removed from office, requiring a two-thirds majority vote in the Senate.