1. The governor
Chapter 7

2. Learning Objectives
Describe the structure of the Texas governorship, including how the governor is selected, the term of office and tenure possibility, the process of impeachment, compensation, and staffing
Discuss the personal characteristics that might lead to gubernatorial success
Assess the formal and informal roles that the governor plays
Understand the limitations on gubernatorial power

3. Basic Structure of the Governor’s Office
Elected in partisan, statewide election
even-numbered years with no presidential election
Four year term of office, no term limits
Until Rick Perry, most served two terms
Discussion: what does it mean to say that Texas has a “plural executive?”

4. Table 7-1 The Texas Governor’s Institutional Powers among the States

5. Impeachment and Succession
Removal only for official misconduct, incompetence, or failure to perform
Impeachment by House and conviction by Senate
James Ferguson only governor to be impeached
Lt. governor becomes governor

6. Table 7-2 Texas Governors and Their Terms of Office, under 1876 Constitution

7. Compensation Salary: $150,000/yr Benefits Mansion Car, use of aircraft
Staff
Travel & operating budgets

8. Staff and Organization
Advisory Council on Physical Fitness
Appointments Office
Budget, Planning, and Policy
Commission for Women
Committee on People with Disabilities
Constituent Communication
Criminal Justice Division
Economic Development and Tourism
Financial Services
General Counsel

9. Staff and Organization
Human Resources Division
Press Office
Scheduling and Advance
Texas Criminal Justice Statistical Analysis Center
Texas Film Commission
Texas Health Care Policy Council
Texas Homeland Security
Texas Music Office
Texas Workforce Investment Council

10. Qualifications for Governor
At least 30, citizen of the U.S., resident for at least 5 years
Lt. governor’s qualifications the same
Takes office first Tuesday after the organization of the legislature

11. Personal Characteristics
White, Anglo-Saxon, protestant
Middle-aged male
Conservative
Attorney / businessperson

14. Personal Characteristics
Involved in civic affairs
“Pillar of the community”
Millionaire / access to money
Exception: Ann Richards
Discussion: why has Texas not had more female governors?

15. Table 7-3 Roles of the Governor
Constitutional and statutory
Informal and symbolic
Chief Executive
Chief Legislator
Commander in Chief / Top Cop
Chief of State
Chief Intergovernmental Diplomat
Chief of Party
Leader of the People

16. Roles of the Governor
Governor’s personality and political, economic circumstances determine what roles emphasized
Leadership style crucial because Texas governor depends on persuasive skills to offset limitations on office

17. Styles of Various Modern Governors
Dolph Briscoe (1973–1979)
Bill Clements (1979–1983, 1987–1991)
Mark White (1983–1987)
Ann Richards (1991–1995)
George W. Bush (1995–2000)
Rick Perry (2000–present)

19. Chief Executive Appointment powers extensive
Fill appointed executive positions
Fill vacant elected executive or judicial positions
Fill positions on over 100 policy-making boards or commissions
Must obtain 2/3 vote from Senate to confirm

20. Limitations on Appointment Power
Overlapping board terms
Geographic, occupational limits on governor’s selections
Governor must sometimes choose from a list provided by others
Needs consent of the senate to remove appointees

21. Budgeting and Planning
Must submit biennial budget message to legislature
Legislative Budget Board also submits budget
Many federal grants require substate regional planning
Few supervisory tools over most administrative agencies

22. Supervising
The governor has the responsibility for seeing that the laws are “faithfully executed”.
Discussion: what tools do Texas governors have to accomplish this?

23. Clemency Board of Pardons and Parole makes recommendations
Governor can
Issue 30-day reprieve of death sentence
Modify sentences for treason with legislative consent
Remit fines and restore licenses
Revoke parole or conditional pardon

24. Chief Legislator Message power Session power
Opening of legislative session
Submission of budget
Retirement
Session power
Calls / sets agenda for special sessions

25. Chief Legislator Veto power Item veto and threat of veto
Governor Perry set record
Discussion: what political risks do governors take when they use the veto?

27. Commander in Chief / Top Cop
Commander in Chief of Army and Air National Guard
Can declare martial law
Can assume command of the Department of Public Safety and Texas Rangers to keep order
Oversees Division of Emergency Management

28. Other Formal Roles
Chief of State—ceremonial role that can enhance other roles by governor’s visibility
Chief Intergovernmental Diplomat—governor is representative of state in negotiations with other states, federal government

29. Informal Roles
Chief of Party—as symbolic head, governor is key figure at party conventions and may use appointments to reward party faithful
Leader of the People—public looks to governor to serve as state spokesperson and solve the state’s problems

30. Discussion: does the Texas governor need more power?