Executive Branch The Governor of Texas Topical Scenario Development of Office Characteristics of Governors Constitutional Roles of Governor Power of the Governor Governor as Policy and Political Leader

Topical Scenario Gubernatorial Appointments Gender Male 49.5% Female 50.5% Race Anglo 52.4% Hispanic 32.0% African 11.5% American Other 4.1% White ’82 78% 22% 82% 12% 6% n/a Clements ’86 82% 18% 89% 7% 3% n/a Richards ’90 55% 45% 65% 19% 14% 2% Bush ’94 63% 37% 77% 13% 9% n/a Perry ’02 67% 33% 73% 16% 11% n/a Texas Population by:

Development of Office Strong colonial governors. Early republican and state governors had extensive appointment authority and power. Gradually power was eroded –appointment power limited –2 year to 4 year term –must cooperate with legislature in order to pass legislative agenda.

Characteristics of the 31 Governors Since 1874 Race - Anglo Gender - Male Age - 49 years old Education - College degree Religion - Protestant Party - Democratic Ideology - Conservative Experience - Lawyer or businessman

Terms of Office and Salary Constitution set a two year length of office. No limit on the number of terms. Constitution amended in 1974 to extend term to 4 years. Salary set by legislature –For FY $115,345.

Impeachment House impeaches (accuses) with a majority vote. Senate tries and convicts with a 2/3 vote. Lt. Gov. succeeds the governor if resigns or is impeached and convicted. Senate elects new Lt. Gov.

Roles of the Governor Chief of State - Texas’ representative with other governmental institutions. Chief Executive Officer –Heads the executive branch –Appoints a limited number of agency heads –Clashes with other elected executive officials. Commander in Chief of State Militia –Use militia to enforce laws –Cross-border raids, suppress race riots break labor strikes, aid in natural disasters.

More Office Roles Chief Budget Officer (largely ceremonial) Chief Law Enforcement/Judicial Officer –Board of Pardons and Paroles, –Pardons, –Clemency (reduce length of sentence), –Judicial appointments

Gubernatorial Powers Texas governors weaker than others Basis of power –Tenure –Appointment Authority –Budgetary Authority –Legislative Authority Most powerful governors –Large, urban, wealthy states –Non-southern –Strong party competition

Powers of the Governor Texas’ Governor for years has been one of the weakest in the U.S. –1960 – 48th –1968 – 50th –1990 – 49th 1999 – 28th –2002 – 38th (plural exec and party control) Gov. Bush’s personality and powers of persuasion increase the governors perceived power considerably. Over the years the voters and the legislatures have strengthened the office. –Increased appointment/removal authority, –limited budgetary authority

Power to Appoint Constitutional basis- –“All vacancies in State and district offices, except members of legislature, shall be filled unless otherwise provided by law by appointment of the governor.” Number of Appointments has increased to several thousand each 4 year term. Senatorial Courtesy –1999 PUC reappointment Overrepresentation and underrepresentation –Topical scenario table Campaign contributors

Appointment Authority Original Appointment Authority of Major Agencies: –Secretary of State –Education Commissioner –Insurance Commissioner –Public Utility Commissioners –Adjutant General –Health and Human Service Commissioner

Staff and Budget As responsibility grows so does the staff –1890s staff of 2 to 3 –Governor Perry’s staff is 200. Budget and policy development primary responsibilities. Dealing with federal and local governments. Meetings with legislature and lobbyists. Public relations and opinion measurement also important. Party leadership.

Governors Role a Policy Maker and Political Leader Chief Legislator (“Chief Persuader”) –Sends annual messages to congress –Direct and indirect lobbying of legislature –Emergency proclamations – favored bills –Veto power – normal and line-item Typically 36 per session Clements – 184 in 2 terms Father’s Day Massacre in 2001 – Perry vetoed 78 State Aircraft Pooling Board –Sets special session agenda Party Leader –Public-Opinion leadership Use of media and travel –Primary legislative influence –Chooses party chairperson –Party usually “rallies around” the governor in order to support his/her legislative agenda

Governor as a Political Leader Weak party system means governors must have strong personalities and organizational skills. Relationship with Legislature critical –Cooperation and compromise –Conferencing and entertaining –Patronage. Use of vetoes, line-item and pocket vetoes.

Ideology and Governors Regulate Equality Equal Opportunity Limit Personal Freedom Strong Individual freedoms Richards 1990 Allred 1934 Daniel 1956 White 1982 Jester 1946 Connally 1962 Bush 1994 Smith 1968 Perry 2002 Briscoe 1972 Shivers 1948 Clements 1978/82 O’Daniel 1938 Stevenson 1940

Governors and Political Change Depends on environment and personality of governor. Most end up to be “status quo managers” During periods of “creedal passion” some governors are called reformers. A very few have been considered strong leaders. Clements was very persistent.