Deck 8: The Executive

Question 1

Should the governor and lieutenant governor both be out of the state at the same time,

A) the president pro tempore of the Senate becomes acting governor.
B) a special election is held, and the office is filled by direct popular vote.
C) the Texas Senate selects one of its members to become governor.
D) the senator with the most seniority becomes governor.

Answer 1

A

Question 2

The constitutional qualifications for Texas governor include all the following, except being

A) a U.S. citizen.
B) at least 30 years old.
C) a five-year state resident.
D) a member of a political party.

Answer 2

D

Question 3

The governor of Texas may be removed from office through a procedure known as

A) recall.
B) impeachment.
C) address.
D) quo warranto.

Answer 3

B

Question 4

The term weak executive refers to the fact that the governor

A) has budget execution authority in his own right.
B) may hire and fire at pleasure all executive directors of state agencies.
C) is often unable to obtain the cooperation of the legislature.
D) has no direct control over most of the agencies in the state government.

Question 5

Regarding the constitutional language relating to the removal of the governor, which statement is incorrect?

A) Impeachment is by simple majority vote of the House of Representatives.
B) Conviction is by a two-thirds vote of the Texas Senate.
C) A governor may be removed by legislative "address."
D) Once removed, the governor may then be tried in criminal court.

Question 6

The governor of Texas is constitutionally allowed to serve

A) 2, four-year terms.
B) unlimited terms.
C) 1, four-year term.
D) 3, two-year terms.

Question 7

The size of the Texas governor's staff has recently

A) been shrunk by Governor Perry to 266 persons.
B) been limited to 185 through an amendment to the Texas Constitution.
C) shrunk chiefly because governors have become less active recently.
D) increased due to the large number of federal grants.

Question 8

The governor, and other top elected officials in Texas are elected

A) to six year terms of office.
B) from single-member districts.
C) in alternating general election years.
D) in "off-year" (non-presidential) elections.

Question 9

Should the governorship of Texas become vacant (through death, resignation, or removal), the official first in line to succeed to the position would be the

A) attorney general.
B) commissioner of agriculture.
C) lieutenant governor.
D) comptroller of public accounts.

Question 10

Which of the following executives is not appointed by the governor?

A) Texas Attorney General
B) Adjutant General, Texas Military Forces
C) Texas Secretary of State
D) Director, Office of State-Federal Relations

Question 11

Probably the factor that had most to do with the removal of Governor Ferguson was

A) an allegation of moral turpitude.
B) an unsolvable conflict with the University of Texas.
C) his opposition to state-wide prohibition.
D) his improper deposit of $100,000 in state insurance funds.

Question 12

The status of the Texas governorship created by the 1876 constitution is a reaction to

A) state-hood.
B) Reconstruction.
C) secession.
D) annexation.

Question 13

In political terms, the principal function of the governor's staff is to

A) raise election campaign funds.
B) protect their boss from adverse situations.
C) discourage opponents in future elections.
D) ensure high standings in the polls.

Question 14

Several of Texas's political traditions and institutions stem from the state's experiences after the Civil War,

A) an era of Jacksonian democracy.
B) and the ideas of liberty and justice for all.
C) and the recent war with Mexico.
D) an era known as Reconstruction.

Question 15

The state's current executive structure shows the influence of anti-Reconstruction forces that opposed the policies of

A) S. W. T. Lanham.
B) Oscar Branch Colquitt.
C) E.J. Davis.
D) Andrew Jackson Hamilton.

Question 16

Those officials who are in the line of succession to the governorship include the

A) lieutenant governor, secretary of state, attorney general.
B) lieutenant governor, chief justice of the Supreme Court of Texas, attorney general.
C) lieutenant governor, president pro tempore of the Senate, agriculture commissioner.
D) lieutenant governor, president pro tempore of the Senate, Speaker of the House, attorney general, chief justices of the fourteen courts of appeals.

Question 17

The only Texas governor to be constitutionally removed from office was

A) E.J. Davis.
B) Ann Richards.
C) James E. Ferguson.
D) Wilbur Lee O'Daniel.

Question 18

The first Republican governor of Texas since Reconstruction was

A) Rick Perry.
B) George W. Bush.
C) Ann Richards.
D) William Clements.

Question 19

The governor's success in dealing with lobbyists, legislators, and the media depends primarily on

A) ordinances.
B) campaign contributions.
C) executive orders.
D) input and support of staff.

Question 20

A Texas governor who lacks significant constitutional powers must rely on

A) a competent staff.
B) forceful arm-twisting.
C) skills in personal relations.
D) a combination of all the above.

Question 21

Which is a true statement regarding the Texas governor's removal power?

A) It extends to all state executive offices.
B) It may be exercised only as the legislature has directed.
C) It is limited to the governor's own agency board appointees.
D) It extends to all governor's appointments.

Question 22

In Texas, the primary responsibility for enforcing the law rests with the

A) state troopers.
B) municipal police and county sheriff's departments.
C) Texas Rangers.
D) constables in the various counties.

Question 23

An official public announcement that can be used by the governor is called

A) an ordinance.
B) an executive order.
C) a proclamation.
D) an executive privilege.

Question 24

When the governor consults with a senator from an appointee's home district to obtain support for a nomination, the governor is respecting the tradition of

A) legislative veto.
B) recess appointment.
C) vacancy appointment.
D) senatorial courtesy.

Question 25

Unlike the President, the Texas governor may influence state spending by use of their

A) line-item veto.
B) executive budget.
C) appointment powers.
D) powers of personal persuasion.

Question 26

Limitations to the governor's appointment powers includes all the following, except

A) a lack of removal power.
B) a requirement of senate approval.
C) many overlapping six-year terms.
D) a lack of recess appointment power.

Question 27

A Texas governor can use "executive orders" to accomplish all the following, except

A) set policies.
B) create task forces.
C) abolish boards and commissions.
D) punish elected officeholders.

Question 28

The __________ appoints the Public Safety Commission's five members, subject to Senate approval.

A) Secretary of State
B) Attorney General
C) Governor of Texas
D) Department of Public Safety

Question 29

The governor's only significant constitutional budget power is

A) transferring funds from one line item to another.
B) reducing funds in one or more line items on his own initiative.
C) vetoing all or part of the biennial legislative appropriations act.
D) submitting a draft budget for legislative consideration.

Question 30

The governor can avoid senate confirmation of an appointee by

A) issuing an executive order.
B) making a recess appointment.
C) appointing a current officeholder.
D) submitting the nomination to the Texas House.

Question 31

The Texas governor's power to remove an official from office includes all the following, except

A) all elected officials.
B) his personal staff and some agency heads.
C) all executive appointees.
D) most board and commission members.

Question 32

The governor may not make a vacancy appointment to which position?

A) U. S. Senator from Texas
B) Judge of the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals
C) Comptroller of public accounts
D) Member of the Texas legislature

Question 33

By law, gubernatorial appointees to a compensated office must

A) be supported by the senator from their home district.
B) be confirmed by a simple majority vote of both houses of the legislature.
C) be confirmed by a two-thirds vote of the Texas Senate.
D) resign any private employment they have at the time of their confirmation.

Question 34

A direct law-enforcement power that may be exercised by the governor is

A) conscripting county sheriffs into state service to enforce criminal law.
B) assuming direct command of the state Highway Patrol.
C) ordering district attorneys to prosecute persons engaging in criminal conduct.
D) taking actual command of the Texas Rangers.

Question 35

The governor of Texas, in his role as "commander-in-chief" may use forces of the Texas National Guard and State Guard to do all the following, except

A) provide for martial law.
B) deploy military forces overseas.
C) help with federal border security.
D) assist in state disaster relief operations.

Question 36

Failure of the Senate to confirm a gubernatorial recess appointment prevents the governor from

A) reappointing that person to the same position.
B) appointing anyone to that position in the future.
C) reappointing that person to another position.
D) calling a special session to appoint that person.

Question 37

Should a hurricane strike Texas, causing loss of life, property damage, and a breakdown of public order, what would be the governor's most likely immediate response?

A) Ask citizens to make charitable contributions for the victims.
B) Call up the National Guard to restore civil authority and assist with the cleanup.
C) Take direct command of local police and other emergency agencies.
D) Summon a special session of the legislature to appropriate funds for relief.

Question 38

Prior to assuming office, all of the governor's appointments must constitutionally

A) obtain a security clearance.
B) be approved by the U.S. justice department.
C) be confirmed by the Texas Senate.
D) pass a physical and criminal background check.

Question 39

The governor's "military power" extends to all the following organizations, except the

A) Texas State Guard.
B) Texas Army National Guard..
C) Texas Air National Guard.
D) Texas Maritime Commission.

Question 40

The governor's legislative powers include all the following, except

A) signing or vetoing bills passed by the legislature.
B) appointing the chairs of legislative committees.
C) proposing legislation in messages to legislators.
D) calling special sessions and setting their agenda.

Question 41

Rendering opinions on law and serving as the state's representative in civil cases is the

A) Texas Secretary of State.
B) Texas State Bar Association.
C) Texas Attorney General.
D) Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts.

Question 42

The term "plural executive" refers to the fact that in Texas

A) there are two state budgets prepared.
B) the governor appoints most all executive officers.
C) most top executive officials are elected.
D) the governor must share power with the lieutenant governor.

Question 43

The Texas governor's power over judges extends to

A) removing any judge on his own initiative for incompetence.
B) appointing of the appellate divisions, with senate consent.
C) filling vacancies arising in state district and appellate courts.
D) recommending to the Commission on Judicial Conduct that a sitting judge be removed.

Question 44

The comptroller of public accounts is constitutionally required to

A) offer revenue bonds for sale when the state is out of money.
B) reduce spending for all programs when funding gets within 30% of being empty.
C) stop payments to those who have been on welfare support for two years.
D) certify all spending bills passed by the legislature.

Question 45

Administering the state's tax system, and acting as its treasurer is the job of the Texas

A) Attorney General.
B) Land Commissioner.
C) Secretary of State.
D) Comptroller of Public Accounts.

Question 46

Promoting consistency in accounting across state agencies is the job of the Texas

A) Secretary of State.
B) Comptroller of Public Accounts.
C) Legislative Council.
D) Supreme Court.

Question 47

What distinguishes a full pardon from a conditional pardon?

A) They are, in fact, identical.
B) A full pardon restores civil rights.
C) A conditional pardon requires community service.
D) Only the Board of Pardons and Paroles may grant full pardons.

Question 48

When the governor promises not to deny funding for a legislator's pet project, in exchange for support of a governor's bill, it is referred to as

A) playing the game.
B) pork-barrel politics.
C) cash cow politics.
D) conservative pandering.

Question 49

If a member of the Texas Transportation Commission has a question concerning the legal responsibilities of his or her office, to whom would he or she turn for advice?

A) The Texas Attorney General
B) The U.S. Department of Justice
C) The Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts
D) The Texas Department of Transportation

Question 50

Who in Texas government is the receiver and custodian of the state's revenue?

A) Comptroller of public accounts
B) State auditor's office
C) Secretary of state
D) Commissioner of the General Land Office

Question 51

Through 2005, which governor had vetoed the largest number of bills?

A) Mark White
B) Rick Perry
C) George W. Bush
D) Ann Richards

Question 52

The strongest legislative power of the governor is his

A) "message power."
B) veto authority.
C) prorogation of bills.
D) special session power.

Question 53

Which of the following is not a role of the Texas Land Commissioner?

A) Overseeing the Permanent School Fund
B) Administering the state's severance taxes
C) Chairing the Veteran's Land Board
D) Awarding oil, gas, and sulfur leases

Question 54

Overriding a veto has occurred only once since the administration of W. Lee O'Daniel (1939-1941). In 1979, the Texas House and Senate overrode a veto by

A) George W. Bush.
B) Ronald Reagan.
C) William Clements.
D) Ann Richards.

Question 55

If an oil company wants to drill on public land, from whom would it secure the drilling lease?

A) Board of Regents of the University of Texas
B) State Board of Education
C) Comptroller of Public Accounts
D) Commissioner of the General Land Office

Question 56

An officeholder who lacks qualifications for office may be removed through a procedure known as

A) recall.
B) quo vadis.
C) impeachment.
D) quo warranto.

Question 57

Which of the following officials primarily serves legislative functions?

A) Lieutenant Governor
B) Attorney General
C) Secretary of State
D) Comptroller of Public Accounts

Question 58

In matters of law, the governor of Texas may independently

A) grant a full pardon to a person convicted of a felony.
B) remit a fine to a person who has been assessed one.
C) grant one 30-day stay of execution of a death sentence.
D) commute a death sentence to life imprisonment at hard labor.

Question 59

The governor may make a judicial appointment to a state court, except when the judge

A) dies in office.
B) resigns from office.
C) fails to win re-election.
D) is officially removed from office.

Question 60

In legislative matters, the governor of Texas

A) has no veto power over appropriations bills.
B) is solely responsible for submitting the state's budget.
C) may call a limited number of special sessions.
D) has absolute veto power once the legislature has adjourned.

Question 61

Discuss the concept of a weak governor versus a strong governor. How would the Texas executive system be reformed to strengthen the power of the governor?

Question 62

Which of the following is not a role of the Texas Agriculture Commissioner?

A) Seeking markets for Texas goods
B) Administering the national school lunch program
C) Leasing public lands for mineral exploitation
D) Regulating pesticide and herbicide use

Question 63

Describe the constitutional qualifications for the office of governor of Texas. What other (non-constitutional) qualifications should a person possess to attain the office?

Question 64

List and discuss the principal responsibilities of the Texas Commissioner of Land and Agriculture.

Question 65

Explain and illustrate the concept in Texas of a "multiple (or plural) executive system.

Question 66

Which body is responsible for ensuring that the scales upon which commodities are weighed are accurate?

A) National Bureau of Standards
B) Texas Commissioner of Agriculture
C) U.S. Food and Drug Administration
D) U.S. Department of Agriculture

Question 67

Identify and discuss the various roles and functions of the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts.

Question 68

Define and discuss the following legislative powers of the governor
a. line-item veto
b. special sessions
c. agenda setting
d. post-adjournment veto

Question 69

The Texas Veteran's Land Board and state veterans cemeteries fall under the office of the

A) Texas Land Commissioner.
B) U.S. Department of Defense.
C) Texas Agriculture Commission.
D) Adjutant General, Texas Military Forces.

Question 70

Identify three executive officials appointed by the governor, and describe their functions.

Question 71

The Texas governor's effectiveness relies on all the following, except his/her

A) ability to raise money.
B) formal constitutional powers.
C) personality and persuasiveness.
D) position on conservative issues.

Question 72

The state official for elections and voter registration is the

A) Attorney General.
B) Lieutenant Governor.
C) Secretary of State.
D) Comptroller of Public Accounts.

Question 73

Identify and describe the role of those entities responsible for education policy and oversight in Texas.

Question 74

Given the structural and constitutional weaknesses imposed on the Texas governor, what attributes or strategies do successful governors employ?

Question 75

Describe the structure, selection, and function of the Texas Railroad Commission.