Gov questions 51-75

Prior to ________, Texas governors were elected to two-year terms, with most being elected to a maximum of two consecutive two-year terms. Since then the governor may be elected to unlimited four-year terms.

1974

In Texas, what is the primary effect of a plural executive?

It dilutes the power of the governor and fragments the executive branch.

What is the purpose of the Sunset Advisory Commission in Texas?

It reviews state agencies every 12 years to see if they are still needed.

________ is the only Texas governor to be both impeached and convicted.

James Ferguson

Which of the following is the best example of the Texas governor's military powers?

The governor can declare martial law during a natural disaster.

Which of the following is the best example of the Texas governor's exercise of senatorial courtesy?

The governor will not appoint someone to office unless that appointee's state senator agrees.

For a Texas governor, what is the benefit of a post-adjournment veto?

The legislature is prevented from overriding it.

Who was the first Republican governor of Texas since Reconstruction, and when was he or she elected?

William Clements in 1978

A Texas governor can only grant ________ for a convicted felon without the help of the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles.

a 30-day reprieve

Governors can be quite powerful in spite of weaknesses of the office by doing all of the following EXCEPT

filing legislative bills at the beginning of every legislative session.

Governor Rick Perry exerted control over the state government in a way that no other governor has EXCEPT he

has appointed every member of the boards and commissions that run Texas government.

In Texas, the only constitutional method of removing a governor from office is by ________ and conviction.

impeachment

The governor has some control over the final appropriations bill through the use of the ________ veto.

line-item

The governor appoints people to office, but the Texas ________ must also confirm them.

senate

What is the Texas governor's most significant and far-reaching power?

the power to appoint boards and commissions

What is the Texas governor's greatest judicial power?

the power to appoint judges to vacancies in the courts

What is the primary task of the Texas secretary of state?

to handle elections and voter registration

What is the most important function of the Texas governor's staff?

to keep the governor informed about problems and issues

The governor of Texas has

few formal powers, so the office is one of the weakest chief executives in the United States.

The Department of Public Safety is responsible for all of the following EXCEPT

animal and insect control.

Which of the following is NOT a qualification a person would need to be a viable candidate for governor of Texas?

born in Texas

The Texas governor has all of the following legislative powers EXCEPT the power to

break tie votes in the Senate.

In Texas, why are gubernatorial elections held in off-years?

so that presidential elections will not be influenced by the gubernatorial election

During which constitution was the Texas governor very powerful, and many regarded state government as oppressive and corrupt?

the Reconstruction Constitution of 1869

In Texas, if a sitting governor is unable to hold office due to impeachment and conviction, resignation, or death, who becomes governor?

the lieutenant governor