LSP 9th, Chapter 4, Texas Governors

The Office of the Governor

• Skepticism of government power due to colonial experience.

• Governor's power has grown, influenced by Texas' large size and importance.

Qualifications

• Age: 30+ years

• Residency: 5+ years in Texas

• Citizenship: U.S. citizen; Texas citizenship not mandatory.

• Typical demographic: Commonly white, Protestant, wealthy men with political and educational experience.

Terms

• Duration: 4-year terms, unlimited in number.

• Preference for shorter terms; originally two-year terms until 1972.

Succession

• Order of succession: Lieutenant Governor → President pro tempore of Texas Senate → Speaker of Texas House → Attorney General.

Compensation

• Governor's salary: $153,750 according to the Constitution of 1876.

Impeachment

• Process includes indictment by the Texas House for misconduct.

Powers of the Governor

• Limited centralized executive power; diffused among other state offices.

• Key roles: Appointment power, executive orders, budget influence, agenda setting.

• Legislative authority includes veto power and special session calling.

• Judicial ability is limited to pardons and clemency recommendations.

• Ceremonial duties and crisis management roles are part of the governor's responsibilities.

Informal Powers

• Includes electoral and popular mandate, performance ratings, and political ambition.

Historical Context

• Texas governors perceived as historically weak; recent trends show stronger executive roles.