Isabella Carter
The Texas Constitution outlines the state's
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Executive Department of the State | Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Secretary of State, Comptroller of Public Accounts, Commissioner of the General Land Office, Attorney General |
| Election of Officers of Executive Department | Elected by qualified voters of the State (except Secretary of State, who is appointed by the Governor) |
| Returns of Election | Sealed and transmitted to the seat of government, directed to the Secretary of State |
| Governor's Restrictions | Cannot hold any other office, civil, military, or corporate; nor practice any profession; nor receive any salary, reward, or compensation from any person or corporation for any service rendered during their tenure |
| Governor's Powers | Commander-in-chief of the military forces of the State (except when they are called into actual service of the United States); Power to call forth the militia to execute laws, suppress insurrections, repel invasions, and protect the frontier |
| Lieutenant Governor's Powers | Presiding officer of the Texas Senate, first in line of succession for Governor, member of the Legislative Redistricting Board, Chair of the Legislative Budget Board |
| Attorney General's Powers | Serves as the lawyer for the state, represents the state on civil matters, responsible for interpreting the constitutionality of laws |
| Commissioner of the General Land Office | Elected by the people to a 4-year term; manages and administers mineral leases and state lands |
| Comptroller | Elected by the people to a 4-year term with no term limits; serves as the chief tax collector and accounting officer, responsible for certifying the biennial budget of the state |
| Agriculture Commissioner | Elected by the people to a 4-year term with no term limits; charged with promoting and regulating Texas agriculture |
| County Offices | Sheriff, justice of the peace, constable, coroner |
| Amendments | Created a single property tax "appraisal district" in each county for uniform appraised values; gave the Texas Court of Appeals criminal appellate jurisdiction; gave the Governor limited authority to remove appointed statewide officials |
| Constitutional Duties | Maintaining filings and records related to corporations, financial and banking transactions, executive branch commissions, legislative mandates, and other public organizations |
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What You'll Learn
Governor
The Governor of Texas is the head of state and the head of the executive branch of the government of Texas. The office of governor was established in the state's first constitution in 1845, with the governor serving for two years, but no more than four years out of every six. The current Texas constitution of 1876 shortened terms back to two years, but a 1972 amendment increased them to four years. Gubernatorial elections are held every four years, and the governor is sworn in with the lieutenant governor.
The governor's responsibilities include ensuring the enforcement of state laws, the power to either approve or veto bills passed by the Texas Legislature, overseeing state agencies, issuing executive orders, proposing and overseeing the state budget, and making key appointments to state offices. The governor also has the power to call special sessions of the legislature and, with the recommendation of the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles, grant pardons.
Article IV, Section 4 of the Texas Constitution sets out three qualifications for candidates for governor: they must be a citizen of the United States, be at least thirty years of age, and have resided in Texas for at least five years preceding the election. The constitution also prohibits the governor from holding any other job or office during their tenure and requires them to reside at the seat of government in Austin.
The governor of Texas has certain powers and duties outlined in the constitution. They are the commander-in-chief of the Texas Military Forces and can convene the Legislature at the seat of government. They also have the power to fill vacancies in executive offices by appointment, although these appointments are subject to confirmation by the Senate. The governor appoints the Secretary of State and the heads of many other departments and commissions, although these appointments are also subject to approval by the Texas Senate.
The governor of Texas can be impeached by the State House of Representatives for committing treason, bribery, or any other high crime or misdemeanour. Once impeached, the governor is suspended from exercising their duties until after the outcome of a trial in the Senate. If the governor is impeached, the lieutenant governor serves as acting governor and presides over the impeachment trial.
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Lieutenant Governor
The Lieutenant Governor of Texas is the second-highest executive office in the state government. The Lieutenant Governor is an elected official, serving a hybrid role in both the legislative and executive branches of Texas state government.
The Lieutenant Governor is a member of the Executive Department (executive branch) of the state, as outlined in Article IV, Sections 1 and 16, of the Constitution of 1876. The office was first established by the Constitution of 1845, superseding the office of vice president of the Republic of Texas. The Lieutenant Governor is elected separately from the governor, meaning they can be from different political parties.
The Lieutenant Governor has wide-ranging legislative powers as the presiding officer of the Texas Senate. They establish all special and standing committees, appoint all chairpersons and members, and assign all Senate legislation to the committee of their choice. The Lieutenant Governor also decides all questions of parliamentary procedure in the Senate. They are an ex officio member of several statutory bodies, including the Legislative Budget Board, the Legislative Council, and the Legislative Audit Committee, which have considerable influence over state programs, the budget, and policy.
In the case of a vacancy in the governor's office, the Lieutenant Governor assumes the powers of the governor. This has happened nine times in Texas history, with three lieutenant governors later running for the office and being elected to additional terms.
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Secretary of State
The Texas Secretary of State is one of six officials named in the Texas Constitution, forming the Executive Department of the state. The Secretary of State is appointed by the governor, with the advice and consent of the senate, and serves during the term of the governor.
The Secretary of State is responsible for maintaining the Seal of the State, which is used under the direction of the governor. The seal features a star of five points, encircled by olive and live oak branches, with the words "The State of Texas". It is required by law to be affixed to numerous documents, including commissions for state and local officials, patents for land, and all official documents from the Office of the Secretary of State.
The Secretary of State also has constitutional duties related to elections. The Elections Division within the Office of the Secretary of State is responsible for administering the Texas Election Code, maintaining voter registration records, and overseeing elections, voting systems, and political parties in the state.
In addition, the Secretary of State's Office maintains filings and records related to Texas corporations, financial and banking transactions, legislative mandates, and other public organizations. For example, individuals and businesses looking to incorporate in Texas must register with the Secretary of State. The Secretary of State also publishes the "Texas Register," a weekly administrative law journal that contains official state rules, meetings, opinions, and proclamations.
While most of the duties of the Secretary of State are outlined in the Texas Constitution, there are two additional responsibilities not included in the Constitution: the publication of the "Texas Register" and the authority to grant permission for the commercial use of the State Seal of Texas.
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Comptroller of Public Accounts
The Texas Constitution of 1845 was approved by delegates on August 27, 1845, and later by Texas voters in a referendum on October 13, 1845. Texas officially became a state on December 29, 1845. The Texas Constitution establishes the state's "'Rainy Day Fund', officially known as the "Economic Stabilization Fund".
Article IV of the Texas Constitution outlines the powers and duties of the following offices: Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Secretary of State, Comptroller, Commissioner of the General Land Office, and Attorney General. With the exception of the Secretary of State, these officials are directly elected in what is known as a "plural executive" system.
The Comptroller of Public Accounts is one of the offices created by the Texas Constitution. The Comptroller's office has recently begun implementing an education savings account program to assist Texas families. The office also provides a convenient online platform for taxpayers to find and manage their tax information.
The Comptroller of Public Accounts is responsible for overseeing public accounts and financial matters in the state of Texas. They are directly elected by the people of Texas and play a crucial role in the state's financial management and governance. The Comptroller's specific duties and responsibilities may be outlined in the Texas Constitution or defined by state laws and regulations.
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Commissioner of the General Land Office
The Texas General Land Office (GLO) is a state agency of Texas, responsible for managing lands and mineral rights properties that are owned by the state. The Commissioner of the General Land Office is one of the six officials named in the Texas Constitution, forming the Executive Department of the state.
The GLO was established on December 22, 1836, making it the oldest existing Texas public agency. The agency's constitutional purpose was to "superintend, execute, and perform all acts touching or respecting the public lands of Texas." The GLO is headquartered in the Stephen F. Austin State Office Building in Downtown Austin, where it has been located since its establishment.
The General Land Office's main role is to manage Texas's publicly owned lands, by negotiating and enforcing leases for the use of the land, and sometimes by making sales of public lands. Royalties and proceeds from land sales are added to the state's Permanent School Fund, which helps to fund public education within the state. The GLO is also responsible for keeping records of land grants and titles and for issuing maps and surveys of public lands.
The current Commissioner of the General Land Office is Dr. Dawn Buckingham, a ninth-generation Texan, successful surgeon, business owner, and former volunteer firefighter. As Commissioner, she is committed to helping Texans after a disaster, supporting Texas energy, and ensuring that every child in Texas receives a high-quality public education.
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Frequently asked questions
The Executive Department of the State of Texas consists of the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Secretary of State, Comptroller of Public Accounts, Commissioner of the General Land Office, and Attorney General.
The Secretary of State is appointed by the Governor with the advice and consent of the Senate.
The Governor is the Chief Executive Officer of the State and is commander-in-chief of the military forces of the State. The Governor also has the power to appoint officials to fill vacant offices.
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