TEST #2 POWERS OF THE GOVERNMENT

Appointment power (Executive Role)

As one part of the plural executive, the Texas governor has limited appointment powers; many posts are independently elected; the longer governor is in office, the more impact this power has

Executive order (Executive Role)

An order issued by the governor directing agencies to address a particular policy

Budget power (Executive Role)

• 27 states give the governor sole responsibility for drafting the budget• In Texas the Legislative Budget Board dominates the process• Line-item veto on sending bills

Executive Role

• Appointment power- Patronage- Removal power- Budget power

Legislative Role

The governor can be a legislative leader• State of the state address • Emergency legislation • Executive orders

State of the state address

Influence the legislative agenda

Emergency legislation

Call a special session

Executive orders

• Veto power - The legislature rarely musters the two thirds vote needed to overturn a veto

Veto power

must sign or veto a bill within 10 days and has line-item veto authority

Judicial Role

• Can grant clemency only after recommendation by Board of Pardons and Paroles - Can grant one 30-day stay of execution in death penalty cases - Exercises power primarily through appointments

Ceremonial Duties

− Come with the high visibility of the office − May include speaking at high profile funerals, college graduations, and dedications

Crisis Manager

− Coordinates responses to unforeseen events − Ability to respond to hurricanes and floods, for example, can improve the governor's image

Military Roles

− Texas National Guard under governor's control unless called by the president into national service − Commander in chief of the Texas State Guard, which is not subject to national call-up