Ch9 - The Plural Executive and the Bureaucracy in TX Flashcards
Plural executive
A political system whereby major executive officers are elected independently of the governor
Cabinet
A form of government whereby the chief executive appoints other major executive department heads
In Texas, voters elect:
- Attorney general
- Lieutenant governor
- Agriculture commissioner
- Land commissioner
- Comptroller
In Texas, governor appoints
- Secretary of State
Executive agencies make rules that have the power of ___
laws
Who has the ultimate responsibility over agencies on the national level
the President
Governor’s control over executive agencies in Texas
Weak
Lieutenant governor
An elected official who presides over the state senate, determines which bills are considered, appoints committee chairs, and serves on the state budget committee
Attorney General
The state’s lawyer & consumer watchdog, elected. The office also provides interpretations of laws and regulations.
LITTLE TO DO WITH CRIMINAL PROSECUTIONS
Comptroller of Public Accounts
The state’s chief accountant and financial officer
Estimates state revenue and certifies that the legislature’s appropriations bills falls within the revenue estimate.
Important powers of Comptroller of Public Accounts
- Tells legislature how much it has to spend
- Finds ways to save state money and spend funds more efficiently
- Fills out federal grant paperwork
The Commissioner of the General Land Office
Responsible for overseeing the leases and the uses of state-owned land.
Much of the state’s public land is dedicated to
Permanent School Fund
The Commissioner of Agriculture
Regulates pesticides and weights and measures; promotes TX agricultural products
Must be an experienced farmer
Appointed Offices
- Secretary of State
- Insurance Commissioner
- Adjutant General
Secretary of State
the state’s chief election officer; appointed by the governor.
Insurance Commissioner
regulates insurance company practices and helps ensure that these companies have money to cover potential claims.
Adjutant General
Highest ranking state military leader
Oversees the Army National Guard, the Air National Guard, and the TX National Guard
Bureaucracy
unelected officials of the executive branch; departments that carry out the law
Hierarchy
Chain of command organized by rank.
Previously “spoils system,” now merit system and affirmative action.
Accountability of bureaucracy
decentralized
directly accountable to no one
Accountable to interest groups and legislature for funding
Most boards and commissions in Texas are appointed, except
Texas Railroad Commission and State Board of Education
Texas Railroad Commission
State commission that oversees oil and gas production
State Board of Education
Elected board that oversees the Texas Education Agency
