Governor vs. President
Unlike the U.S. President, the Texas Governor does not directly appoint this group that oversees education
What is the state board of education?
This official collects state taxes and certifies the Texas budget
Who is the Comptroller of Public Accounts?
She was the first woman elected Governor of Texas in 1924
Who is Miriam “Ma” Ferguson?
The Governor’s power to reject a bill passed by the legislature.
What is a veto?
This official acts as the state’s chief law enforcement officer.
Who is the Attorney General?
This national leader serves as Commander-in-Chief of the U.S. military, while the Texas Governor commands only this force when activated.
What is the Texas National Guard (or state military Forces)?
This official represents Texas in court cases and gives legal opinions to state agencies
Who is the Attorney General?
He was the first Republican Governor of Texas since Reconstruction, elected in 1978.
Who is Bill Clements?
The system where executive power is divided among several elected officials in Texas.
What is the plural executive?
The Governor shares the power to grant pardons with this board.
What is the Board of Pardons and Paroles?
The U.S. President submits a federal budget proposal, while in Texas, this official handles state revenue estimates and budgeting
Who is the Comptroller of Public Accounts?
This official promotes Texas agriculture and enforces laws about weights and measures (like gas pumps and scales).
Who is the Agriculture Commissioner?
This Governor of Texas later became President of the United States in 2000.
Who is George W. Bush?
Mercy granted to a convicted person, such as a pardon or commutation.
What is clemency?
The Texas Constitution gives the Governor power to delay an execution for this long.
What is 30 days?
The U.S. President’s cabinet is appointed by him, but the Texas Governor shares power with this independently elected group of officials.
What is the plural executive?
This official presides over the Texas Senate and has major power in lawmaking
Who is the Lieutenant Governor?
She became the second female Governor of Texas in 1990 and gave the famous “silver foot in your mouth” speech
Who is Ann Richards?
A government agency that carries out laws and policies is part of this larger system.
What is the bureaucracy?
This department oversees state troopers and public safety.
What is the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS)?
The U.S. President is limited to two terms. In Texas, the Governor can serve this many terms.
What is unlimited (as long as re-elected)?
This official manages state-owned lands and mineral rights, including oil and gas royalties.
Who is the Land Commissioner?
This Governor served longer than any other in Texas history, holding office from 2000 to 2015.
Who is Rick Perry?
When the Governor removes only certain spending items from a budget bill, it is called this.
What is a line-item veto?
The Attorney General issues these official written interpretations of state law for agencies and officials.
What are legal opinions?