1. Government Governments are created to provide safety, order, and to serve the people. They depend on citizens taking active, responsible roles.

2. Basic Principles of Democracy

3. The Executive Branch Main function: execute, or carry out, the laws passed by the legislature.

4. The Governor Governor Greg Abbott The Governor is the “first citizen” of Texas and represents the state at Official functions

5. The Office of Governor The governor of Texas is the chief executive of the state. Selection and Term of Office: – 4 years with no term limits. Selected in even- numbered years that do not have a presidential election Qualifications: – To serve as governor, one must be at least 30 years old, an American citizen, lived in Texas for five years

6. The Office of the Governor Powers: – Appoint people to boards/commissions (Senate has 2/3 majority vote) – Veto (reject) power over bills – Call special sessions – Has little power over state budget, but can influence lawmakers – Has one important budgetary power: line-item veto—the power to reject only some provisions of a spending bill – Commander in chief of the Texas National Guard, unless the president of U.S. has it under federal control. – Pardon, or reduce, criminal sentences and offer 30-day reprieves to those facing the Death Penalty – Appoint judges

7. Other State Officials These officials are elected and not under the Governor’s control. – Lieutenant Governor: powerful in the executive and legislative branches – Four-year term of office – Primary duty: serve as leader of the Senate, also “chairs” the Legislative Budget Board, and serves as the “acting” Governor when the Governor is unavailable

8. Other State Officials Secretary of State Attorney General – Gives legal advice and represents Texas in court cases Comptroller of Public Accounts – Oversees the collection of taxes Commissioner of Agriculture – Enforces agricultural laws and aids farmers All but the Secretary of State are elected (nominated by Governor)

9. Boards and Commissions Over 200 boards, commissions, and agencies make up the state executive. These enforce state laws and provide services. Two major boards: – State Board of Education Set policies for education, oversee development of state curriculum, choose textbooks – Railroad Commission Oversees and regulates railroads, trucks, and buses operating in Texas Also regulates the oil and gas industries including pipelines and has the power to regulate oil production