Texas has a plural executive system with independently elected executive branch officials, unlike the cabinet system used by the federal government and most other states. This reflects Texas' conservative tradition of limiting any single official's power. Elected positions include the governor, lieutenant governor, attorney general, comptroller, land commissioner, agriculture commissioner, and appointed positions like secretary of state. Various boards and commissions also operate independently to regulate industries and oversee agencies, universities, and occupational licensing. The extensive bureaucracy carries out laws under the direction of these numerous elected and appointed officials.

1. Cynthia Gurrero & David Macias

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.

9. Appointed Offices
Governor appoints Secretary of
State, Insurance
Commissioner, and adjutant
General.
Interprets the election Code

10. Appointed Offices: Insurance
Commissioner
Regulates Insurance company
practices.
Ensures companies have the
financial resources to cover
potential claims.

11. Appointed Offices: Adjutant
General
Highest - ranking state military
leader, besides the governor.
Oversees Army National
Guard, Air National Guard and
Texas National Guard.

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.

17. Administrative Boards
Parks & Wildlife Department
Department of Transportation
Health & Human Services
Commission.

18. University Boards and Coordinating
Board
Oversight for Public
Universities

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.