webtext ch9
What opportunity do governors in Texas have to influence the state judiciary?
Governors can fill judicial vacancies and appoint judges to state appeals courts
How did Governor Rick Perry overcome the criticism he received for vetoing so many bills in 2001?
He effectively characterized the vetoes as curbing government growth.
Which of the following BEST explains why Rick Perry had unprecedented control over the plural executive branch?
His long tenure in office allowed him to appoint numerous officials, boards, and commissions.
What happens when a governor vetoes a bill?
It is returned to the legislature, where the veto can be overridden by a two-thirds vote of each chamber.
What does the "power to persuade" mean when used in reference to the Texas governor?
It refers to the governor's use of personal influence to manage relationships with the legislature and the bureaucracy during the session.
Historically speaking, why did the Texas Constitution of 1876 limit the powers of the governor?
It was a reaction to the previous constitution, which gave the governor strong executive powers.
What effect does the plural executive have on the governor, and why?
It weakens the governor by allowing the electorate to choose his executive officers for him.
Which of the following is a limitation of using approval ratings to measure the current standing of the governor?
Polls rarely contain information regarding the intensity of people's opinions.
How is the governor's appointment power limited?
Senatorial courtesy allows the senator from the district of a nominee to effectively veto the governor's appointment.
Why does it seem certain that prominent Latino candidates will soon emerge and find success in statewide elections for governor?
Texas's Latino (mainly Mexican American) population is rapidly growing.
What happens to someone who is appointed to office by a governor while the legislature is not in session?
The appointee's tenure is still subject to senate confirmation once the legislature reconvenes.
What authority does the governor have over the state budget?
The governor can transfer money between programs or agencies in an emergency.
What are the governor's military and police powers?
The governor is commander in chief of the Texas National Guard and has limited police powers as selector of the Public Safety Commission
Why is the informal side of the message power more important than the formal side?
The governor's formal messages can be ignored whereas his speeches and statements receive extensive media coverage.
Which of the following individuals could serve as governor of Texas?
a 40-year-old Latina U.S. citizen who's spent her whole life in Texas ~To serve as governor of Texas, you must be at least 30 years old, a United States citizen, and a resident of Texas for at least five years preceding your election.~
Which of the following problems can reduce the governor's ability to leverage his or her status as a figurehead?
a bland personality
What is the bully pulpit?
a figurative soapbox the governor can stand on to loudly build support for his priorities
Which of the following features of Rick Perry's tenure was criticized as costly to taxpayers?
his frequent use of special sessions
The process of accusing an official of misconduct while in office is known as what?
impeachment
What is the lieutenant governor's responsibility when the governor is out of state?
serving as acting governor
How many appointees does a governor choose over the course of a single term?
several hundred
The senate president pro tempore becomes acting governor for the day during which of the following?
the "governor for a day" ritual
Who has the power to issue a pardon?
the Board of Pardons and Paroles
What was the most important external factor that influenced Perry's time in office?
the constitutional extension of the term of office from two to four years
Which of the following is an example of the power to persuade?
the governor taking advantage of good relationships with legislators in order to pass an important agenda
Governors make appointments for which of the following political purposes?
to set a political tone
