Ch8 - The Governor in TX

Question 1

Governor

Answer 1

the state’s highest elected executive official

Question 2

Governor’s time in office

Answer 2

Before 1972:
2 year terms/ twice

After:
4 year terms/ no limit

Question 3

Rick Perry

Answer 3

the longest running governor of Texas, issued more vetoes and executive orders than anybody else

Question 4

Qualifications

Answer 4

30 yo
US citizen
Registered voter
resident of Texas for 5 years

Question 5

Lame ducks

Answer 5

elected officials who will not serve the following term, often because their successor has already been elected

Question 6

Formal Powers

Answer 6

powers granted by the constitution or the statutes

Question 7

Appointment

Answer 7

Receive close scrutiny
Senatorial courtesy
All appointments must be approved by 2/3 of the senate

Overlapping terms of appointees
most important executive offices are elected by voters, not appointed

Question 8

Senatorial courtesy

Answer 8

a discretion allowing senators to derail a governor’s nomination within their home district

Question 9

Overlapping terms

Answer 9

terms of appointed board members that are staggered to ensure the continuity of experience

Question 10

Military power

Answer 10

Declare martial law
Enact and enforce curfew
Call out Texas Guard in an emergency

Question 11

Martial law

Answer 11

the power to impose military rule during a crisis

Question 12

Law enforcement powers

Answer 12

Appoints public safety commissioner
may take control of Texas Rangers
Introduce legislation aimed at combating crime

Question 13

Session-calling power

Answer 13

the sole discretion of calling special sessions and choosing the agenda
can call them indefinitely

Question 14

Message Power

Answer 14

Make “State of the State addresses at the beginning of each legislative sessions

Question 15

Veto Power

Answer 15

2/3 in each chamber of the legislature to override and only when in session
Cannot override a post-adjournment veto

Question 16

Line-Item Veto

Answer 16

The governor’s ability to delete individual items in the appropriations bill while signing the rest into law

Question 17

Appointment of judges

Answer 17

Appoints judges at district level or above
Must be approved by 2/3 majority in the senate

Question 18

Clemency powers

Answer 18

power to pardon, commute, or parole

No independent power to pardon or parole

Question 19

Informal Powers

Answer 19

powers not specifically granted in the constitution or statutes

Partisan Power
Persuasive power
International relations
Leadership Style

Question 20

Governor’s staff

Answer 20

the governor’s aides, not subject to legislative approval

Question 21

Governor’s staff roles

Answer 21

Advise the governor
involved in the intergovernmental relations: local and national