Texas Executive The Governor and the Plural Executive

I Need to See... Ishan Dosani Laura Ellis Zohra Kajani Lauren Mickle

Selecting the Governor Now – Four-year terms Elections in “off-years” – such as 2006 – Coincide with “midterm elections” rather than presidential elections – So presidential politics don’t affect governor’s race – Result is turnout is low Campaigns begin in January of election year

Candidates One from each party – chosen through primary elections Independents – Need 45,540 petition signatures (can only sign if you didn’t vote in the primary)

When the Governor Is Away.... Lt. Governor takes his position, even when governor is just out of the state On those days, both individuals pull the full salary of the governor ($316 / day – compared to $20 / day for regular Lt. Gov. salary) Governor is entitled to police protection when out of the state

Powers of the Governor Introduce legislation/budget Veto – Post-adjournment veto – Line-item veto Bully pulpit / power of persuasion Call special sessions of legislature and set agendas for them

Powers of the Governor Appoint executive branch officials – Other than those directly elected by people – Requires 2/3 senate approval once senate convenes – “senatorial courtesy” – requires approval of the state senator from the nominee’s district Appoint judges (to fill vacancies) – Only until the next election (judges are elected) – Still, gives governor’s pick the incumbency advantage

Generally.... Texas governors are weak – by design Power fragmented among executive offices and the “plural executive” Much of the governor’s power depends on political skill

Diffuse Executive Power: The “Plural Executive” Other executive officials – Secretary of State appointed by the governor – All other members of the plural executive are elected by the people: Lt. Governor Attorney General Comptroller Land Office Commissioner Agriculture Commissioner

Weak Governor Texas removes agencies from gubernatorial control by – Having the heads independently elected – Limiting the power of the governor to remove the people he appoints

Secretary of State Maintains government records – Articles of incorporation – Debt agreements / loan documentation Oversees voter registration and elections

Lt. Governor Elected independently (doesn’t run on a “ticket” with the governor) “Acting governor” and governor’s successor Significant legislative power – President of the Senate – Actually involved in debate and votes – Legislative Redistricting Committee – Legislative Budget Board Chair

Attorney General Texas’s lawyer – represents the state whenever the state is sued and pursues litigation on behalf of the state – Includes child support collection Issues opinions to other agencies re: the meaning of legislation and the legality of state action

Comptroller of Public Accounts Texas’s Accountant Collects revenue Projects future revenue and outlays Returns abandoned money (eg. Savings accounts and insurance policies) Invests the state’s money (only in certain financial institutions)

Commissioner of the General Land Office Maintains public lands (parks, etc.) Controls mineral rights and development of such on public land Operates the Veterans’ Land Program

Commissioner of Agriculture Enforces all agricultural laws, including animal quarantines Inspects farms and foodstuffs they produce Weights and measures

Also Independently Elected Railroad Commission Education Commission – Sets curriculum – Standardized testing!

Other Boards and Commissions Rest of the executive branch (the bureaucracy) is run by individuals appointed by the governor, confirmed by the senate