1. Chapter 9: The Texas Executive

3. A Historical Perspective on the Executive Function in Texas Governors enjoyed stronger constitutional powers from 1836 to 1866. Elected offices of comptroller and state treasurer added in 1861 Granted line-item veto powers in 1866 1869 Constitution Influenced by Jacksonian democracy Created a plural executive

4. A Historical Perspective on the Executive Function in Texas 1876 Constitution Reaction against Reconstruction Era abuses Maintained the plural executive Limited the power of the governor Served two-year terms Salaries defined in the constitution Detailed listings of job duties

5. A Historical Perspective on the Executive Function in Texas Expanded Powers in the Twentieth Century Salary could be raised by the legislature (1954) Term of office expanded to four years (1972) The state constitution was amended to allow governors to remove any person they personally appointed, with a two-thirds vote of the senate (1981)

6. The Plural Executive The Potential for Conflict in the Plural Executive (Art. IV) Members of the Plural Executive Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Secretary of State*, Comptroller of Public Accounts, Treasurer*, Commissioner of the General Land Office, and Attorney General, Railroad Commission (3), Agricultural Commissioner, SBOE (15) Operate independently of the governor Can claim their own electoral mandates May clash with the governor over policies

8. The Plural Executive Qualifications and Backgrounds of Texas Governors Constitutional Requirements At least thirty years old, U.S. citizen, and resident of Texas for five years Past Governors Most have been Democrats (not recently), wealthy, educated, middle-aged, and white male Protestants.  Only two women have been elected.  No minority candidates have been successful.

9. The Plural Executive Impeachment and Incapacitation Impeachment Charges brought by the House of Representatives Removal follows a trial and conviction in the Senate Texas does not have a voter-initiated recall process. The lieutenant governor replaces the governor if the office is vacated, or when the Governor leaves for more than

10. The Plural Executive The Salary and “Perks” of the Governor’s Office In 2012, the governor of Texas was paid a salary of $150,000 a year. Perks of the Governor’s Office Mansion and staff State-owned planes and cars Security detail Travel expenses

12. The Powers of the Governor Legislative Powers State of the State Address Establish a policy agenda Special Sessions Last for up to thirty days each Governor controls the agenda Veto Power Overridden by a two-thirds vote in the House and Senate Can veto bills up to twenty days after the close of a legislative session

14. The Powers of the Governor Budgetary Powers Weaker budgetary authority Primary authority rests with the legislature and Legislative Budget Board The Texas governor has the line-item veto over appropriations bills.

15. The Powers of the Governor Appointive Powers Selects members to serve on more than 200 boards and commissions Subject to Senate confirmation Many serve six-year staggered terms Limited ability to remove appointees Filling Vacancies State district, appellate courts, U.S. Senate seats, and all statewide offices except the lt. governor

16. The Powers of the Governor Judicial Powers Appoints members of the Board of Pardons and Paroles Grants executive clemency Thirty-day stay of execution Commutation of a death sentence to life in prison Full or conditional pardons Responsible for ordering state officials to carry out extradition proceedings

17. The Powers of the Governor Military Powers Acts as commander in chief of the state’s military forces Appoints the adjutant general Mobilizes the national guard to protect lives, property, and keep the peace

18. Informal Resources of the Governor The Governor’s Staff Organization reflects leadership styles Highly centralized or may seek greater contact with advisors Affects the flow of information to the governor Chosen for their media and public relations skills or policy expertise Help develop policy agendas and legislative strategies Function as the governor’s surrogates

19. Informal Resources of the Governor The Governor and the Mass Media Communicate policy objectives to the general public in order to mobilize public opinion Strategies Press conferences, news leaks, and trial balloons Use of public opinion polls Staging pseudo events to emphasize issues Use of radio and television

20. Informal Resources of the Governor The Governor and the Political Party Historically Governors built policy coalitions around factions within the Democratic Party. Gained little power from serving as head of the party Under the Two-Party System Parties provide greater resources and support. Republicans have sought the support of social conservatives within the party.

22. Informal Resources of the Governor The Governor and Interest Groups Solicit endorsements and campaign contributions from groups Pursue policy initiatives and legislation that benefit key support groups

23. Leadership Styles of Recent Texas Governors Bill Clements (1979–1983, 1987–1991) Misunderstood the limits of office Business management style was not effective Strained relationship with the legislature and press Often seen as insensitive and as an obstructionist Good record of appointing women, minorities, and Republicans

24. Leadership Styles of Recent Texas Governors Ann Richards (1991–1995) Activist stance Populist policy agenda called for a “new Texas” Pragmatic approach to legislation, seeking compromise Staff given greater responsibility to pursue policy objectives Filled role as Texas’s chief ambassador

25. Leadership Styles of Recent Texas Governors George W. Bush (1995–2000) Kept a low public profile in his first year Often worked behind the scenes with legislators to reach compromise Met frequently with Republican and conservative Democratic legislators Faced opposition over school property tax reform and school vouchers

26. Leadership Styles of Recent Texas Governors Rick Perry (2000– ) Gave no clear direction in first term Vetoed a record eighty-two bills in 2001 Takes advantage of Republican majority Oversaw partisan redistricting battle Rocky relationship with lawmakers Washington “outsider”

27. Other Offices of the Plural Executive Lieutenant Governor David Dewhurst holds the office. Primarily a legislative office with few administrative duties Considered by some to be the most powerful state office Presides over the Senate Chairs the Legislative Budget Board Succeeds the governor if the governor dies, is incapacitated, or is removed from office

28. Other Offices of the Plural Executive Attorney General Greg Abbott holds the office. Serves as the state’s chief legal officer Represents the state in litigation Enforces antitrust and consumer protection laws Provides for child support collection Creates advisory opinions on the legality of actions by state and local agencies or officials

29. Other Offices of the Plural Executive Comptroller of Public Accounts Susan Combs holds the office. Serves as the state’s tax administrator, accounting officer, and revenue estimator Assumed the state treasurer’s duties in 1995 Provides a revenue estimate of state income to guide budget preparation Must certify that the state budget falls within revenue projections

30. Other Offices of the Plural Executive Commissioner of the General Land Office Jerry Patterson holds the office. Manages state-owned lands and mineral rights  Revenues are earmarked for the Permanent University Fund and Permanent School Fund. Responsible for the Veterans Land Program Develops environmental programs  Plans for dealing with oil spills  Preventing soil erosion along Texas beaches  Don’t Mess With Texas!

31. Other Offices of the Plural Executive Commissioner of Agriculture Todd Staples holds the office. Statutory officer that regulates agriculture Administers consumer protection laws  Weights and measures  Packaging and labeling  Marketing Supports agricultural research and education programs

32. Other Offices of the Plural Executive Secretary of State Esperanza “Hope” Andrade recently resigned and was replaced by John Steen Appointed by the governor Grants charters to corporations Processes the extradition of prisoners Administers state election laws  Reviews local and county election procedures  Develops statewide voter registration policy

33. Other Offices of the Plural Executive Elected Boards and Commissions Texas Railroad Commission Three members, and each one is elected statewide to staggered six-year terms Oversees railroad safety and the oil, natural gas, and mining industries Often used as a stepping stone to higher state office

34. Other Offices of the Plural Executive Elected Boards and Commissions State Board of Education Fifteen members, and each one is elected from a single-member district Key Responsibilities  Translating legislative mandates into public policy  Investment of money in the Permanent School Fund  Oversight of textbook selection and curriculum standards  Coordinates with the Education Commissioner to oversee the Texas Education Agency