2. Executive Branch Governor Abbott 4 year term No term limit
Governor’s Mansion

3. Executive Branch Lead by the Governor & Lieutenant Governor
Their main jobs are to:
1. ENFORCE LAWS
2. Represent Texas
3. Make appointments
4. Commander and Chief of Texas National Guard
5. Sign Laws
6. Veto Laws
7. Call Congress to Special Session
8. Grant Pardons

4. Legislative Branch

5. Senate 31 Members serving 4 year terms

6. House of Representatives 150 members who serve 2 year terms

7. Legislative Branch Also known as CONGRESS
Consists of the Senate & House of Representatives
Their main job is to:
1. MAKE LAWS
2. Set the Texas Budget
They meet in odd numbered years for 140 days sessions

8. Judicial Branch
Judges are elected in Texas to 4-6 year terms

9. Judicial Branch
This is the Court System made up of Civil & Criminal Courts
Their main jobs are to:
INTERPRET LAWS
(explain the law)
There are two types of court: Civil Court and Criminal Court
There are two levels of court: Trial Court and Appeals Court
Trial Courts have original jurisdiction to interpret the law
Appeals Courts hear cases that have already been tried and the losing side does not agree with the verdict.

10. CIVIL Court
Civil Courts handle disputes between citizens, including property, money, divorce, child custody, etc.

11. CRIMINAL Court
Criminal Courts deals with crimes; safety against society. This includes theft, burglary, robbery, assault, murder, etc.

13. CHECKS & BALANCES