The Texas Executive Branch

Multiple Roles of the Texas Governor

1.) Chief of State

2.) Commander in Chief (of the State Militia)

3.) Chief Executive Officer

4.) Chief Law Enforcement and Judicial Officer

5.) Chief Budget Officer

6.) Chief Legislator (Expected Policy Initiator)

7.) Leader of his/her Political Party

Texas Plural Executive Branch

1.) Governor2.) Lieutenant Governor3.) Secretary of State (appointed)4.) Comptroller of Public Accounts5.) Treasurer6.) Commissioner of the General Land

Office7.) Agriculture Commissioner 8.) Attorney General

Structure of Texas Executive Branch

Formal Gubernatorial Powers

Signs into law or Vetoes legislation Appoints members of 200+ boards and commissions

that have state-agency oversight Appoints temporarily persons to fill vacant state court

seats Calls 30-day, specific-purposed special sessions of the

Texas Legislature Grants pardons, commutations, and reprieves with

advice from the Board of Pardons and Parole Commander-in-Chief of the State National Guard Delivers agenda-setting State of the State Address

The Texas Lieutenant Governor

(Though ranked 2nd ) More powerful office than the Governorship because of its legislative role

Presiding officer and main legislator of the Texas Senate

Serves as Chair of Legislative Budget Board

Would serve as Governor if the incumbent:

a.) dies,

b.) is incapacitated and cannot perform his/her gubernatorial duties,

c.) is removed from office, or

d.) voluntarily resigns