Podcast
Questions and Answers
Which of the following Texas governors served as a US Secretary?
Which of the following Texas governors served as a US Secretary?
What percentage of votes did Tony Sanchez receive in his unsuccessful bid for governor in 2002?
What percentage of votes did Tony Sanchez receive in his unsuccessful bid for governor in 2002?
Which of the following statements is TRUE regarding the qualifications for Governor of Texas?
Which of the following statements is TRUE regarding the qualifications for Governor of Texas?
What is the primary reason that Texas governors often become national political figures?
What is the primary reason that Texas governors often become national political figures?
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Which of the following Texas governors is accurately paired with their former position?
Which of the following Texas governors is accurately paired with their former position?
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What were the two main outcomes of the Texas Governor's veto of the legislative budget?
What were the two main outcomes of the Texas Governor's veto of the legislative budget?
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Which of the following individuals served as Governor of Texas, despite having no prior experience in public office?
Which of the following individuals served as Governor of Texas, despite having no prior experience in public office?
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What was the main cause of the Texas Governor's veto?
What was the main cause of the Texas Governor's veto?
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What is the historical context for Texas' suspicion of strong central government?
What is the historical context for Texas' suspicion of strong central government?
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What caused a shift from a preference for shorter gubernatorial terms to longer, four-year terms in Texas?
What caused a shift from a preference for shorter gubernatorial terms to longer, four-year terms in Texas?
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What can be inferred about the future of the Texas Governor's power?
What can be inferred about the future of the Texas Governor's power?
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Who was the first Governor of Texas elected to two consecutive four-year terms?
Who was the first Governor of Texas elected to two consecutive four-year terms?
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Which of these is NOT a factor used to weaken the executive branch in the Texas Constitution of 1876?
Which of these is NOT a factor used to weaken the executive branch in the Texas Constitution of 1876?
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Which of the following actions significantly contributed to the dissolution of the Democratic monopoly in Texas politics?
Which of the following actions significantly contributed to the dissolution of the Democratic monopoly in Texas politics?
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What is the primary reason for the current trend of electing Republican governors in Texas?
What is the primary reason for the current trend of electing Republican governors in Texas?
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Flashcards
Texas Governor's line-item veto
Texas Governor's line-item veto
The power of the Texas Governor to reject specific parts of a budget bill while approving the rest.
RNC vs DNC walkout
RNC vs DNC walkout
The Democratic party staged a walkout to deny a quorum for voting on Republican supported legislation.
Impact of Abbott's veto
Impact of Abbott's veto
Abbott's veto affected the legislative budget, hurting predominantly lower-paid staff rather than legislators.
Historical skepticism of Governor power
Historical skepticism of Governor power
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Constitution of 1876
Constitution of 1876
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Governor of Texas (GVNR)
Governor of Texas (GVNR)
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James Stephen Hogg
James Stephen Hogg
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Line of Succession
Line of Succession
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Political Experience in TX Elections
Political Experience in TX Elections
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Governor's Compensation
Governor's Compensation
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Texas Governor Requirements
Texas Governor Requirements
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Ma Ferguson's Campaign
Ma Ferguson's Campaign
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Ann Richards' Significance
Ann Richards' Significance
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Governor's Authority
Governor's Authority
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Demographics of Texas Governors
Demographics of Texas Governors
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Study Notes
Texas Governors: A Study of Power and Influence
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Recent Power Shift: The power of the Texas Governor (GVNR) has significantly increased over the past two decades, often challenging checks and balances. This is evidenced by the line-item veto used as a tool to influence legislative budgets.
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Line-Item Veto Controversy: During the 87th legislative session, Governor Abbott used the line-item veto to strike the entire legislative budget in response to a Democratic walkout. This caused a significant political firestorm regarding the balance of power between the branches of government. While it may not have affected the TLO's low salaries, it certainly impacted the approx. 2,000 state workers.
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Historical Skepticism of Governor Power: Texans have historically been wary of strong governors, influenced by past experiences in Mexico and Reconstruction. The 1876 Constitution deliberately created a relatively weak executive branch to mitigate this concern.
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Informal Power Building: Despite formal limitations, Texas governors have developed significant informal power through various means, such as using their position as governor to secure national attention and recognition, influencing appointments, and using the line-item veto to influence legislation.
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Qualifications and Demographics: Texas' Constitution requires a governor to be at least 30 years old, a U.S. citizen, and have lived in Texas for at least five years—unusual among states. Historically, most governors have been wealthy white men, but women have frequently served. Miriam "Ma" Ferguson was a notable early woman governor, who also appointed the state's first female Secretary of State.
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Diversity and Underrepresentation: While Hispanics are the largest and fastest-growing minority group in Texas, no Hispanic has held the office of governor. Lupe Valdez is an example of this underrepresentation.
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Educational and Military Experience: While the myth of the rancher or oilman persists, modern Texas governors often have prior political experience, educational backgrounds (especially legal), and/or military experience (ranging from the US Armed forces to the Texas National Guard).
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Length of Terms and Succession: Modern Texas governors serve four-year terms with no term limits—a contrast to the shorter terms earlier in the state's history– This has allowed for longer tenures like Perry and Abbott. The line of succession is clearly defined in the Constitution, with the Lieutenant Governor (LG) becoming governor if the current governor departs office.
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Compensation and Perks: The Governor's salary is currently $153,750, above the national average. The office comes with significant perks, including a state-provided residence, limo, helicopter, and an extensive staff. Gov. Abbott employs 277 staff members.
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Executive Power: The governor's influence over the state bureaucracy (bureaucracy) is significant, stemming from appointment power and the ability to issue executive orders. Executive orders can often address crises or specific policy initiatives.
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Legislative Power: The governor's legislative role includes setting the legislative agenda, declaring emergencies, and influencing or vetoing legislation passed by the legislature. The ability to declare legislation as an emergency prioritizes those initiatives on the legislative agenda.
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Judicial Power: While the Constitution limits the governor's judicial power in most instances, the governor can have an impact through judicial appointments, reprieves, commutations, and pardons, particularly in appointing judges for vacant positions.
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Informal Powers: These involve factors beyond formal powers, including elecatorial mandate, political ambition, and performance ratings. Governor Abbott has secured broad popular support. The length of tenure correlates to increased power.
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Crisis Management: The governor's role as a crisis manager has become increasingly important, particularly with events like Hurricanes Harvey/Katrina and the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Military Roles: The governor is the commander-in-chief of both the Texas National Guard and the Texas State Guard.
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Historical Weaknesses-The Long Tenure of Perry and Abbott: Although the Texas Constitution aimed to limit the Governor's power historically, the current Governor wields substantially more authority, evidenced by their lengthy terms. The legislature's experience level & willingness to challenge the governorship appears to have significantly diminished as demonstrated by the reduced concern over the expanded governor's veto.
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Conclusion: The modern Texas Governor wields significant influence over the executive, legislative, and judicial branches of government, making them one of the most impactful political positions in the state.
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Description
Explore the evolving power of Texas governors, particularly over the last two decades. This quiz delves into the controversies surrounding the line-item veto and the historical context that shapes Texans' views on executive authority. Test your knowledge of the implications this power shift has on governance and legislative balance.
