Question 1

Who was the first non-Anglo to ever be elected Texas governor?​

Accepted Answer

The correct answer is "none of these" because none of the individuals listed were the first non-Anglo to be elected as Texas governor.

Question 2

​Which of these plays a dominant role in preparing a budget for the state legislature to consider?

Accepted Answer

The Legislative Budget Board (LBB) plays a dominant role in preparing the budget for the state legislature to consider. The LBB is a permanent joint committee of the Texas Legislature that develops budget and policy recommendations for legislative appropriations.

Question 3

Which of these is not an appointed position?​

Accepted Answer

The Commissioner of Agriculture is often an elected position in many states, unlike the other positions listed, which are typically appointed by the governor or another executive branch official.

Question 4

What is the governor allowed to do without a recommendation from the state Board of Pardons and Paroles?​

Accepted Answer

The answer of What is the governor allowed to do...

Question 5

​Who is able to propose a Texas state budget?

Accepted Answer

The Texas state budget can be proposed by both the governor and members who serve on the Legislative Budget Board, as stated in the Texas Constitution. The state comptroller provides revenue estimates but does not propose the budget.

Question 6

The governor has a major effect on state policy through his or her _____.

Accepted Answer

The governor of Texas has the power to make approximately 3,000 appointments to boards and commissions, which is a significant way to influence state policy. The other choices are not entirely accurate - the governor does not dominate the budget process (although they do have a role), they do not have the power to control the courts, and they do not dominate the Texas Senate (although they may have some influence). The appointment of the attorney general is also not a primary mechanism for the governor to affect state policy.

Question 7

Address and quo warranto proceedings are both methods of _____.

Accepted Answer

Address and quo warranto proceedings are both legal procedures for removing an official from office. Address refers to a request by the legislature to the governor to remove an officer for cause, while quo warranto is a legal action brought by the state attorney general or other authorized officials to challenge a person's right to hold a public office or position. Both can be used as checks on executive power and to hold public officials accountable for their actions.

Question 8

When the Texas governor calls for a special session of the legislature,the agenda for the session is set by the _____.

Accepted Answer

The agenda for a special session of the Texas legislature is set by the Governor. While the Lieutenant Governor and the Speaker of the House may have some input, ultimately it is up to the Governor to determine what issues will be addressed in the session.

Question 9

Assume that the governor in 2010 appointed someone to head the state's Public Utilities Commission,a six-year term lasting until 2016.If a different personwere elected governor in 2014,what would be the fate of the head of this commission?

Accepted Answer

Since the head of the Public Utilities Commission was appointed for a six-year term lasting until 2016, they would most likely continue serving in that position until the end of their term, regardless of the change in governorship.

Question 10

​Senatorial courtesy refers to _____.

Accepted Answer

Senatorial courtesy is a tradition in which individual state senators have the power to block any gubernatorial appointment within their own district. This practice is based on the idea that the governor should seek the advice and consent of the Senate before making appointments in their districts.

Question 11

Assume that a convicted murderer who has beensentenced to death has asked the Texas governor to postpone his eventual execution.If this inmate has not previously made this request at least thirty days before,which of these would the governor need to legally grant this postponement?

Accepted Answer

According to Texas law, an inmate who requests a postponement of their execution less than 30 days before their scheduled execution must have a recommendation from the Board of Pardons and Paroles in order for the governor to grant it. Therefore, choice A is the correct answer. The other options (B, C, and D) are not relevant to this particular situation.

Question 12

​Which of these is not considered a formal power of the governor?

Accepted Answer

While the governor may undoubtedly play a role in party politics and may have a leadership position within their political party, this is not considered a formal power of the governor. The other choices listed are formal powers of the governor, including chief executive (having control over the administration of state government), chief intergovernmental diplomat (representing the state in relations with other states and the federal government), chief of state (symbolically representing the state and its values), and chief legislator (playing a role in shaping and influencing state legislation).

Question 13

Under which governor did the state legislature significantly increase the governor'sformal powers?

Accepted Answer

During Rick Perry's tenure as governor, the Texas state legislature significantly increased the governor's formal powers, enhancing his ability to influence state policy and governance.

Question 14

Exercising the message power and the session power are among the Texas governor's responsibilities in his or her role as _____.

Accepted Answer

The Texas governor exercises the message power and the session power as part of their role as chief legislator. The message power involves communicating with the legislature, often through a State of the State address, to propose legislation. The session power includes the ability to call special sessions of the legislature.

Question 15

Gubernatorial appointments in Texas must be confirmed by the state's _____.

Accepted Answer

Gubernatorial appointments in Texas must be confirmed by the state's Senate.

Question 16

Which of these officials is appointed by the governor in Texas?

Accepted Answer

The secretary of state in Texas is appointed by the governor. The lieutenant governor, attorney general, railroad commissioner, and agriculture commissioner are all elected officials in Texas.

Question 17

The Texas governor's veto power is absolute when _____.

Accepted Answer

When the legislature adjourns before the governor exercises the veto, they cannot override it, making the veto absolute.

Question 18

Which of these is not considered a formal legislative power of the governor?​

Accepted Answer

The answer of Which of these is not considered a...

Question 19

By law,the governor must submit a biennial budget message to the state legislature within five days after that body convenes in regular session.This budget is prepared by the _____.

Accepted Answer

The Budget, Planning and Policy Division is responsible for preparing the biennial budget that the governor must submit to the state legislature. The Legislative Budget Board and Texas Legislative Council are involved in the budget process but do not prepare the actual budget proposal. The Economic Development and Tourism Office and General Land Office are not involved in the budget process.

Question 20

How is the plural executivebest described?

Accepted Answer

The term "plural executive" refers to a system in which power is divided among multiple executive branch officials rather than concentrated in a single governor or executive. This can lead to a fragmentation of power and authority, with each official having their own responsibilities and agenda.

Quiz 7: The Governor