Texas Learning Outcome

Explain the structure and function of the executive branch of Texas government.

• The executive branch of Texas government is responsible for enforcing state laws and is headed by the Governor.

• The executive branch of Texas government is responsible for creating state laws and is headed by the Legislature.

• The executive branch of Texas government is responsible for interpreting state laws and is headed by the Supreme Court.

• The executive branch of Texas government is responsible for managing state finances and is headed by the Comptroller.

Summarize the formal and informal qualifications for the governor of Texas.

• What are the formal qualifications for the governor of Texas?

• What are the informal qualifications for the governor of Texas?

• What are both the formal and informal qualifications for the governor of Texas?

• What is the role of the governor of Texas?

Explain the provisions for succession of a governor.

• The governor is succeeded by the lieutenant governor.

• The governor is succeeded by the state senate president.

• The governor is succeeded by the speaker of the house.

• The governor is succeeded by the chief justice of the state supreme court.

Explain the provisions for removal of a governor.

• The President can remove a governor at any time without providing a reason.

• A governor can only be removed by impeachment in the state legislature.

• The Supreme Court must approve the removal of a governor.

• A governor can be removed by a two-thirds majority in the Parliament.

Explain the governor’s formal powers.

• The governor can veto legislation, appoint state officials, and grant pardons.

• The governor can only veto legislation.

• The governor has no formal powers.

• The governor can only appoint state officials.

The governor’s informal powers include:

• Vetoing legislation

• Appointing judges

• Influencing public opinion

• Declaring a state of emergency

Which of the following is a qualification to be a governor in Texas?

• At least 25 years old

• U.S. citizen

• Resident of the state for two years preceding election

• None of the above

Fill in the blank: To be a governor in Texas, one must be a resident of the state for ______ years preceding the election.

• five

• three

• seven

• ten

What is one of the informal qualifications for governors mentioned in the list?

• Experience

• Age

• Gender

• Education

Most governors have been ______, wealthy, well-educated, Protestant males.

• white

• black

• Asian

• Hispanic