Question 1

Are the costs of gubernatorial travel abroad worth the benefits to the state of Texas? Was it appropriate for a conservative Texas governor to undertake a trade mission to Communist Cuba? Explain your answer.

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Question 2

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

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Question 3

What are the sources and uses of a governor's informal powers?

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Question 4

Explain the governor's clemency powers.What other influence does the Texas governor have over the state judiciary?

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Question 5

How has the size of the Texas governor's staff fluctuated over time? What role do staff members play in supporting the governor?

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Question 6

Explain why raising campaign funds is important to win a gubernatorial election and how donations influence the actions of governors once in office.

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Question 7

Identify three executive officials appointed by the governor,and describe their functions.Do you think the governor should be able to appoint his or her lieutenant governor in Texas? Why or why not?

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Question 8

Explain how the governor may get involved in pork-barrel politics.

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Question 9

The constitutionally weak executive structure in Texas shows the influence of anti-Reconstruction forces that opposed the policies of which former Texas governor?
A) S.W.T.Lanham
B) Oscar Branch Colquitt
C) E.J.Davis
D) Andrew Jackson Hamilton
E) Ann W.Richards

Accepted Answer

The anti-Reconstruction forces in Texas opposed the policies of former Texas governor E.J. Davis, who attempted to strengthen the power of the executive branch during his tenure. As a result, the Texas Constitution of 1876, which was heavily influenced by these forces, created a weak executive structure in order to prevent any future governor from accruing too much power.

Question 10

Explain the term plural executive and how it operates in Texas.What are the potentially negative and positive aspects of a plural executive? Do you think Texas should move to a more unitary executive branch? Explain why or why not.

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Question 11

Which state agency is most concerned with economic activity?
A) The state attorney general's office
B) Texas Environmental Protection Agency
C) Railroad Commission of Texas
D) Health and Human Services Commission
E) Board of Regents

Accepted Answer

The Railroad Commission of Texas is responsible for regulating the oil and gas industry and promoting economic growth in Texas. It oversees drilling, production, and transportation of oil and gas as well as mining and coal production. Other state agencies listed do not have a primary focus on economic activity.

Question 12

Identify three judicial powers a Texas governor has.Which do you think has the most impact on the day-to-day lives of Texans? Explain.

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Question 13

Describe the selection and main responsibilities of the Texas secretary of state.

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Question 14

What is message power? In what way is message power a form of legislative power?

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Question 15

Compare and contrast the patronage and merit systems.Do you believe the merit system truly results in more efficient government? Explain your answer.

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Question 16

What is the name of the system by which government officials are hired,promoted,and fired based on objective criteria such as tests,experience,and performance?
A) Spoils system
B) Patronage system
C) Senatorial courtesy
D) Executive privilege
E) Merit system

Accepted Answer

The merit system is the system by which government officials are hired, promoted, and fired based on objective criteria such as tests, experience, and performance. This system is in contrast to the spoils system or patronage system, in which government officials are appointed based on political connections or favors. Senatorial courtesy relates to the tradition by which the Senate is consulted on presidential appointments in their respective states, while executive privilege refers to the right of the President to withhold certain information from Congress or the courts.

Question 17

Compare and contrast the various types of vetoes a Texas governor may use.

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Question 18

What are some informal powers of the Texas governor,and why are they effective?

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Question 19

Outline the governor's various options for vetoing bills and his or her powers to call special sessions.How may the governor use each to enhance his or her influence over legislators?

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Question 20

Under what circumstances might a governor call a special session? What are some advantages and disadvantages to the governor in calling a special session?

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Quiz 9: The Executive Branch