The three branches of Texas State government Structured much like the Federal Government

3 branches of state government

Legislative Branch The legislative branch MAKES the laws. The main lawmaking body of this branch is known as the Legislature, or Congress. Congress is bicameral, meaning it is made up of two parts: the House of Representatives and the Senate. Congress comes in session once every two years.

Texas Legislative Branch 4 year terms Elected 31 Members Must be at least 26 years of age Chief Official: Vice President or Lieutenant Governor, referred to as “President of the Senate” 2 year terms Elected 150 Members Must be at least 21 years of age Chief Official: Speaker of the House

Legislative powers The Texas Legislature has the power to: Make laws and propose amendments. Maintain state budget Impeach the governor

Making laws Proposed laws called BILLS are introduced in the House or Senate, then after being sent to committee for consensus, a vote is held. If approved, the Bill is sent to the governor for approval…..

To become a LAW If signed by governor, the Bill becomes a LAW. If vetoed- it is not law If the governor vetoes a bill, the Legislature can override the veto with two- thirds (2/3) vote.

Financing The Texas Legislature is responsible for maintaining a balanced state budget. It does this through Taxes Licenses fees

impeachment The Texas Legislature has the sole power of impeachment (removing someone from office.) Only one Texas governor has been impeached- James ”Pa” Ferguson

Executive Branch Carries out the laws Conducts the business of the state

The Governor The Governor is the highest member of the executive branch Also includes the: –Lieutenant Governor –Secretary of State – Attorney General –Comptroller of Public Accounts –Commissioner of the General Land Office –Commissioner of Agriculture Governor Greg Abbott

Executive terms of Service The length of term for the governor of Texas is four years. However, there is no limit to the number of terms one can serve. He or she may not hold any other job while in office.

Executive branch The Governor has the power to Veto laws (this can be overridden in the Legislative Branch with a 2/3 vote.) call special sessions of the legislature for emergency state business. declare martial law in case of a state emergency.

Judicial Branch duties Interprets the laws of the state (decides if they are Constitutional) Specifically they… –Settles disputes between citizens –Hear cases and render verdicts –Sees that Texas laws and trials are fair –Oversees law enforcement

Judicial branch consists of Texas Supreme Court Court of Criminal Appeals District Courts County Courts Justice of the Peace Courts

Texas Supreme Court The name of the highest court in Texas to hear civil or juvenile cases is the Supreme Court Nine justices (8 members and 1 chief) sit on the Texas Supreme Court.

Court of Appeals The Court of Appeals is the highest court in Texas to hear criminal cases. Determines whether trials held in trial courts were fair.

Judicial Term of Office The length of the term of office for the judges of the higher level state courts is six years.