Texas Government Overview

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Questions and Answers

Which statement about the Secretary of State in Texas is correct?

The Secretary of State is appointed by the Governor.
The Secretary of State is the only official not appointed by the Governor. (correct)
The Secretary of State has extensive military powers.
The Secretary of State is elected by the citizens of Texas.

What is one of the legislative powers granted to the Governor of Texas?

Override vetoes made by the legislature.
Issue executive orders.
Declare martial law. (correct)
Appoint state judges.

Which of the following accurately describes the Governor's judicial powers?

The Governor appoints all state judges.
The Board of Pardons and Paroles serves as a check on the Governor's clemency powers. (correct)
The Governor has unlimited clemency powers.
The Governor can issue new laws.

How did the 1876 Constitution influence the governance in Texas?

<p>It weakened the Executive branch compared to earlier frameworks. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What reflects the limited formal powers of the Texas Governor compared to other states?

<p>Legislative powers granted are minimal and largely dependent on the legislature. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Who appoints Texas executive branch officials?

The Governor appoints all members of the Texas executive branch, except for the Secretary of State, who is elected.

What are the Governor's legislative powers?

The Texas Governor has several legislative powers, including calling special sessions, granting pardons, appointing members to boards and commissions, declaring martial law, and using the line-item veto.

How does the Texas Governor's power compare to other states?

The Texas Governor has less formal power compared to Governors in other states. This is because the Texas Constitution limits the Governor's authority, reflecting a desire to reduce the power of the executive branch.

What are the Governor's judicial powers?

The Texas Governor has limited judicial powers, including the ability to grant pardons, reprieves, and commute sentences. However, the Board of Pardons and Paroles can check these clemency powers.

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What are the Governor's military and police powers?

The Texas Governor is the Commander-in-chief of the state's National Guard and can declare martial law. However, the primary authority for martial law rests with local authorities.

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Study Notes

American and Texas Government

Texas Executive Branch:
- The Secretary of State is the only person not elected.
- They're appointed by the governor.
The Governor:
- Holds the most formal powers compared to other governors.
- The 1876 Constitution was a response to the executive's power during Reconstruction, aiming to limit the governor's power.
- Only 2 women have served as Texas governor.
Governor's Powers:
- Call special sessions of the legislature, pardon criminals, appoint to governing boards/commissions, declare martial law, line-item veto.
Legislative Powers of the Governor:
- Can sign or veto legislation.
- Veto is possible even after the legislative session ends (post-adjournment veto).
Judicial Powers of the Governor:
- Limited power over pardons, clemency, reprieves.
- A "Board of Pardons" checks the governor's clemency power.
Governor's Military and Police Powers:
- Commander-in-chief of the state's National Guard.
- Can declare martial law, primarily for local issues, not federal.
- Exercises this authority in disaster relief.