Texas State GovernmentTexas State Government

The Executive BranchThe Executive Branch

p. 641 - 644p. 641 - 644

The Function of the Executive BranchThe Function of the Executive Branch

• The executive branch carries out the laws passed by the legislature.

• It also conducts the business of the state.

• Executive power is shared by elected officials and those appointed by the governor.

The Governor of TexasThe Governor of Texas• The governor is the head of the executive

branch of Texas government.

• Although elected to terms of four years, there is no limit to the number of terms a governor may serve.

• To qualify for office, one must be at least 30 years old, a U.S. citizen, and a resident of Texas for at least five years.

Executive Powers of the GovernmentExecutive Powers of the Government

• One executive power is to make appointments to boards and commissions.

• The governor also has the power to remove certain officials, such as a judge engaged in a serious misconduct.

• With the approval of the Senate, the governor can remove anyone he or she has appointed to a board or commission.

Legislative Powers of the GovernorLegislative Powers of the Governor• The governor of Texas holds three

important legislative powers:– Send messages to the legislature explaining

the governor’s policy goals.

– Veto power

• A line-item veto gives the governor the power to reject particular items in appropriations bills.

– To call special sessions of the legislature for emergency business.

Other Powers of the GovernorOther Powers of the Governor• The governor appoints the members of

the Board of Pardons and Paroles, the Board of Criminal Justice, the Texas Youth Commission, and other commissions that deal with offenders.

• The governor can delay execution of prisoners or grant pardons.

• The governor serves as the commander in chief of Texas.

Other Elected MembersOther Elected Members• 5 other members of the executive branch

are chosen in statewide selections:– Lieutenant governor – President of the

Senate

– Attorney General –state’s lawyer– Comptroller of public accounts – chief tax collector

– Commissioner of the General Land Office – manages the land and mineral rights owned by Texas

– Commissioner of agriculture – enforces agricultural laws