Texas Government Chapter 8

Governor of Texas

A weak executive position in a plural executive system, with limited independent power compared to other states’ governors.

Formal Qualifications for Governor

At least 30 years old, a U.S. citizen, and a Texas resident for five years prior to election.

Informal Qualifications for Governor

Includes access to money, name recognition, and previous political experience.

Gubernatorial Term Length

Four years, changed from two years by constitutional amendment in 1972.

Gubernatorial Election Timing

Midterm elections (non-presidential years).

Gubernatorial Campaigns

Can begin more than a year in advance; often cost tens of millions of dollars.

Removal of Governor

Impeachment requires majority House vote and two-thirds Senate vote; applies to any executive or judicial officer.

Gubernatorial Succession

Lieutenant governor becomes governor upon vacancy by death, resignation, impeachment, or absence.

Governor Salary

$150,000 annually, plus residence, transportation, and staff.

Governor’s Staff

Nearly 300 individuals handling administration, policy, and communications.

Appointment Power

Governor’s most important executive power; allows appointment to over 400 state boards and agencies.

Patronage

The governor’s power to reward supporters with appointments, grants, or favors.

Senate Confirmation

Gubernatorial appointments require Senate confirmation.

Senatorial Courtesy

Governor informally seeks approval from senator of appointee’s home district before nomination.

Executive Budget

Submitted by the governor to outline priorities, competes with the Legislative Budget Board’s version.

Legislative Budget Board

Body that creates a competing and often more influential state budget.

Commander in Chief (State)

Governor’s role over Texas National Guard (unless federalized).

Martial Law

Can be declared by the governor during emergencies.

Public Safety Commission

Appointed by the governor; oversees the Department of Public Safety.

Texas Rangers

State police force under gubernatorial control.

Message Power

Communications from the governor to the legislature, including the State of the State address.

Lobbying by Governor

Used to advocate for or against bills in the legislature.

Veto Power

Governor can reject bills; override requires two-thirds vote in both chambers.

Post-Adjournment Veto

Veto after legislature adjourns; cannot be overridden.

Line-Item Veto

Governor can veto specific provisions in appropriations bills.

Special Session

Called by governor; lasts up to 30 days with agenda set by the governor.

Judicial Powers of Governor

Appoints judges for vacancies and issues execution reprieves or clemency (with Board recommendation).

Plural Executive

System that limits governor’s power by independently electing other executive officials.

Midterm Elections (Plural Exec.)

Most plural executive officials elected during midterms for four-year terms.

Secretary of State

Appointed by governor; manages elections and public filings.

Partisan Elections (Plural Exec.)

Statewide officials are elected by party affiliation and often act independently.

Lieutenant Governor

Succeeds governor; leads Senate, assigns committees, controls debate order, and casts tie-breaking votes.

Attorney General (AG)

State’s top civil lawyer; provides legal opinions and engages in national legal matters.

Commissioner of the General Land Office (GLO)

Manages public lands, leases for grazing/oil/gas, and Veterans’ Land Program.

Agriculture Commissioner

Enforces agriculture laws, oversees inspections, quarantine laws, weights and measures.

Comptroller of Public Accounts

Manages tax collection, estimates state revenue, certifies budget for legislature.

Secretary of State (Role)

Oversees elections, voter registration, and state record-keeping.

Governor vs. Plural Executive

The plural executive dilutes the governor’s power through independently elected officials.

Texas Bureaucracy

Complex network of boards, agencies, and commissions managing state operations.

Multimember Appointed Boards

Members selected by governor or other officials and confirmed by Senate; e.g., Parks and Wildlife.

Appointed Single Executives

Appointed by governor and confirmed by Senate; e.g., Texas Department of Insurance.

Multimember Elected Boards

Only RRC and SBOE have elected members; directly accountable to voters.

Railroad Commission of Texas (RRC)

Once regulated railroads and now oversees oil and gas; diminished authority post-deregulation.

State Board of Education (SBOE)

15 elected members overseeing K–12 education policy; TEA enforces rules.

Texas Education Agency (TEA)

Executes policy from SBOE; commissioner appointed by governor from SBOE-submitted list.

Sunset Advisory Commission (SAC)

12-member board that reviews state agencies to justify their continued existence.

Agency Accountability

Agencies must prove their relevance to continue operating, subject to SAC review every 12 years.