2. *Plural Executive
As the Chief Executive of the United States, the
president selects his or her top department officers or
Cabinet – in order to help him run the nation.
At the State level, the Cabinet System is also the
normal structure .
In Texas, however, there is no cabinet system.
The system.
The State has a Plural Executive: the
governor, lieutenant governor, attorney
general, comptroller, land commissioner, and
agriculture commissioner.
3. *Plural Executive (Cont.)
They are elected independently.
Reflects the States Conservative Tradition.
Independently elected executive officials limit the
power of the governor.
The executive branch is able to carry out laws through
an extensive bureaucracy.
4. Elected Officials:
Lieutenant Governor
Many Political Scientists believe that the office of
lieutenant governor is the most powerful position in
the state.
Role is to Succeed the governor in case of
death, removal, or resignation.
Greatest powers are within legislative arena.
5. Elected Officials: Attorney General
The State’s lawyer
Serves 4 year term with no limit on terms
Defends Texas and it’s Constitution
The office has about 4,200 employees, and employs
about 400 attorneys with 70 regimal offices.
Departments Include:
Consumer Protection Division
Child Support Enforcement Division
Collections Division and Opinion Committee.
6. Elected Officials: Comptroller of
Public Accounts
States accountant and Chief Tax Collector
1. Tells legislature how much money it has to spend.
2. Finds way to save the state money and spend Funds more
efficiently.
3. Fills out federal grant paperwork. When done
correctly, the state could receive more federal money.
Performance Review of Comptroller transferred to
Legislative Budget Board.
In 1995 an amendment was passed to abolish state
treasurer’s office. These Functions were then transferred to
Comptroller.
7. Elected Officials: Commissioner of
General Land
Has responsibility for leasing and use of
public land.
Serves 4-year Term.
States public land belongs to the PSF /
Permanent School Fund.
Requires candidate running for position to
be an experienced farmer
8. Elected Officials: Commissioner of
Agriculture
Regulates pesticides and provides
info, training and licenses.
Establishes the accuracy of the
weights.
Only statewide executive offices that
isn’t constitutionally mandated.
12. The Bureaucracy
Needed to carry out laws
Citizens think faceless bureaucrats
are lazy or power hungry.
Has about 150,000 employees
13. The Bureaucracy: Hierarchy and
Expertise
Chain of demand
People needed “connections” to
obtain a government job back then.
This was called the “Spoils System”
14. The Bureaucracy: Accountability
Governor does not do direct control
over agencies
Most state boards don’t follow anyone.
1. Depend on legislative appropriations
2. Sunset review process is for the
legislature to close and or modify an
agency.
15. Elected Boards: Texas Railroad
Commission
Gained control over oil, gas
production, pipelines, and trucking
in the past years.
Usually regulates Railroad
transportation in Texas.
16. Elected Boards: State Board of
Education
Oversees Texas Education Agency.
Members are elected by district.
The Commissioner sends
suggestions to the governor.
19. Occupational Licensing Boards
Sets Standard for occupational licensing
Contains members of Public and workers in
the field.
Regulates licensing in Cosmetology,
Dentistry, Occupational Therapy,
Polygraphy, and Audiology.
20. Regulatory – Boards: Public Utility
Commission.
Sets rates for companies and
regulates utility.
Regulates electric & phone
Companies.
21. Sunset Advisory Commission
Determines if agencies outlive usefulness.
Unconstitutionally mandated agencies
(Must be renewed every 12 years)
Does self evaluation then public hearings held.
5 Senators appointed by the lieutenant Gov. 5 rep
appointed by speaker & 2 members of Public, 1
appointed by speaker other by lieutenant Gov.
