Chapter 7 The Governor

Question 1

Plural Executive

Answer 1

A system of organizing the executive branch that includes the direct election of multiple executives, thereby weakening the chief executive, the governor. Related concepts include disintegration and fragmentation

Question 2

Impeachment

Answer 2

The process of formally accusing an official of improper behavior in office. It is followed by a trial, and upon conviction, the official is removed from office

Question 3

Fringe benefits

Answer 3

Special considerations that the governor receives in addition to a simple paycheck

Question 4

Formal Roles

Answer 4

Duties that the governor performs that stem from the Texas Constitution, including chief executive, chief legislator, commander in chief/ top cop, chief of state, and chief intergovernmental diplomat

Question 5

Informal Roles

Answer 5

Duties that the governor performs that stem from the culture and traditions of Texas, including chief of party and leader of the people

Question 6

Appointment and Removal Powers

Answer 6

The governor’s constitutional and statutory authority to hire and fire people employed by the state

Question 7

Message Power

Answer 7

The governor’s means of formally establishing his or her priorities for legislative action by communicating with the legislature

Question 8

Session Power

Answer 8

The governor’s constitutional authority to call the legislature into special session and to set the agenda of topics to be considered in that session

Question 9

Veto Power

Answer 9

The governor’s constitutional authority to prevent the implementation of laws enacted by the legislature. The item veto allows the governor to delete individual items from an appropriations bill

Question 10

Populist

Answer 10

Someone who believes in the rights, wisdom, and issues of the common people, and that those people should be protected from exploitation by corporations, rich people, and government