Texas Executive Branch Essential Questions: –Compare the principles and concepts of the Texas Constitution and U.S. Constitution –Describe the structure and function of government at the state level

The Function of the Executive Branch Enforce/Execute or carry out the laws and policies established by the legislature Executive power is shared by those elected and those appointed by the governor

The Governor of TX 4-year term with no term limits 48 TX governors Greg Abbott is the current governor Rick Perry is the previous governor and longest serving governor in TX history Miriam Ferguson (1924, 1932) and Ann Richards (1990) are the only women to serve as Texas governor

Executive Powers of the Governor Makes appointments to boards and commissions. Can remove officials that have engaged in misconduct from their positions The Senate must approve the governor’s decision to remove anyone he or she has appointed to a board or commission

Legislative Powers of the Governor Three of importance: –Address the legislature –Power of veto The line-item veto –Allowed by the Texas Constitution –Gives governor power to reject particular items in appropriations bills (spending) –Calls special sessions

Other Powers of the Governor Appoints members to Board of Pardons and Paroles, the Board of Criminal Justice, the Texas Youth Commission, and other law enforcement commissions Can delay execution of prisoners Can appoint judges to fill vacancies until regular elections are held Represents Texas at meetings, celebrations, and ceremonies Serves as commander in chief of Texas State Guard –Can declare martial law in case of a state emergency

Other Elected Members Five other elected members that operate outside the governor’s control: –Lieutenant Governor –Attorney General –Comptroller of Public Accounts –Commissioner of the General Land Office –Commissioner of Agriculture

The State Board of Education The State Board of Education manages and invests in the $20 billion Permanent School Fund used to finance education in TX public schools. Barbara Cargill is the current Chair of SBOE. She represents Houston and Southeast Texas.

Texas Judicial Branch and Courts Systems

TX Judicial System *** Interprets the laws!!! Consists of : 1)Courts 2)Judges 3)Law enforcement agencies Serves the purposes of: Supporting a system for the trial and punishment of criminals Providing a system to arbitrate (resolve) legal disputes

Texas’s Judicial System Determine if a law is constitutional or unconstitutional passed by Legislative branch and Executive branch of Texas government

Texas Civil Law Civil Law pertains to legal disputes between: Private citizens Businesses Govts Most civil cases concern disputes about: 1) Money 2) Property 3) Insurance claims 4) Child custody and support

Criminal Law: describe what people can and cannot do. It deals with crime and the legal punishment of criminal offenses. There are 2 types of offenses: A felony is a "very serious" crime. (murder, arson, etc…) A misdemeanor is a "lesser" criminal act. (public intoxication, vandalism, trespassing)

Felony Felons can receive punishments which range in severity from probation, imprisonment, and execution. Loss of voting rights, exclusion from certain jobs Restricted from: Obtaining certain licenses Purchase/possession of firearms Running for public office

Misdemeanors Misdemeanors are less severe than felonies. In general, misdemeanors are crimes with a maximum punishment of 12 months or less of incarceration, typically in a local jail. Often punished with probation, community service or part-time imprisonment, served on the weekends. Misdemeanors never result in the loss of civil rights, but may result in loss of privileges, such as professional licenses, public offices, or public employment

The Jury System 1. Grand Jury: Decides whether a trial is warranted (legally necessary) Consists of 12 citizens called jurors At least 9 out of 12 jurors must agree on whether decision of trial

Petit Jury: Decides on a verdict. Verdict must be unanimous: guilty or not guilty. Depending on case, either the judge or jury decides sentence.

Jury Bills When there is enough evidence for a trial, the “charge” is called “true bill” When there is not enough evidence for a trial, the “charge” against a person is called “no bill” and dropped

(3) TX TRIAL COURTS District Courts: Most Texas District courts try criminal and civil cases County Courts: Texas Constitution requires each of the 254 counties in TX at least one county court County courts try Civil cases between $ and $5, and criminal misdemeanor cases with fine over $2, Municipal Courts: Located in larger cities. Violations of city ordinances and Misdemeanor cases with maximum fines below $2,000.00

Justice of the Peace Located in small towns and rural areas Try civil cases Minor criminal cases Issue search warrants Perform marriages Set bail costs Determine cause of death Can send cases to higher courts

Appeals Courts 14 Courts of Appeals Listen to Civil and Criminal cases appealed from District or County courts. Each Court of Appeals has at least 3 justices, including a presiding chief justice. The specific number of justices on each court is established by the Legislature. Judges on the Texas Courts of Appeals serve 6-year terms

Justice for Juveniles TX Dept. of Juvenile Corrections oversees: juvenile trials, facilities, boot camps, courts, rehabilitation for offenders up to age 18

Famous Texan Judges In 1978 Raul A. González became the first Hispanic appointed or elected to statewide office in He later served as TX State Judge for the Court of Appeals and TX Supreme Court.

Famous Texan Judges The current and 48th governor of Texas, Greg Abbott, is a former Attorney General of Texas. He was also a former justice on the Texas Supreme Court. He was appointed in 1995 by then- Governor George W. Bush.