The Governor of Texas - Essay Example

Does the governor of Texas need more power? As it is now, the Texas’ Governor heads the executive branch of the Texas state government, as well as being the commander-in-chief of the Texas’ military forces. In addition, the governor of Texas has the power to convene the legislature, and either veto or approve bills that have been passed by the state’s legislature (Kraemer 14). Also, upon recommendation by the Board of Pardons and Paroles, the governor has powers to grant pardons in all cases apart from the impeachment cases. Over the years, there has been raging debate regarding the powers of the governor of Texas (Wilson 39). The debate has been mainly informed by the fact that there is a consensus that the governor of Texas has fairly less powers particularly when compared to governors’ offices of other states. Considering this fact, there is debate on whether the governor of Texas need more power or not. There are those who believe that the governor needs more powers in order to match the powers of governors in other states. On the other hand, there are those who believe that additional power is not necessary (Maxwell, Ernest and Adolfo 21). This paper will discuss why the governor of Texas does not need more powers. The Governor’s office in Texas is considered to be extremely weak especially when compared to the powers of governors in other states. A governor of Texas must use the charismatic ability, the power of media, personality and persuasion in order to govern the state more effectively (Brown 17). The power of the Texas state governor is weakened by the fact that the executive office powers are spread throughout a number of series of elected boards, commissions, and offices. Executive powers in Texas is what is termed as “plural executive” where there are several elected officials who share most of the powers invested typically in one office (Ginsberg 66). In Texas, voters elect several key offices that include the Attorney General, Comptroller of Public Accounts, and the Lieutenant Governor. Since these officials may not have a greater degree of loyalty to the governor and might therefore seek to undermine his term of office (Wilson 55). The powers of the Governor is further undermined by the fact that he has less influence in the budgeting process compared to governors of the other states around the United States of America. The state law allows the governor to transfer funds between agencies or programs to meet emergency needs, even though such process should be approved by the Legislative Budget Board (LBB). It should be noted that the governor can use this power to draw attention to the issues or needs that may arise within the state and can therefore put political opponents within the LBB in a defensive mode (Kraemer 60). The legislature leads the budget process and therefore the government is left with the opportunity to publicly speak of priorities but with little influence on the budgeting process that is formal. The LBB has ten members who hold the most of the powers and authority (Maxwell, Ernest and Adolfo 49). The LBB is chaired by the Lieutenant Governor and the vice chair is the house of Representatives. The Governor delivers a budget message which has a no binding authority. The governor has to persuade legislators to consider and pay attention to his or her views on budgeting. In addition, the law permits the Governor to depart from the budget by transferring funds between agencies or programs to meet emergency needs, even though such transfer of funds must be approved by the LBB. Besides, the LBB can initiate such fund transfers upon Governor’s approval (Brown 25). While the Texas Governor is the commander-in-chief of the Texas National Guard when the unit is not under the US President’s command, the power is still limited. The Governor has the power to appoint the Public Safety Commission with the Senate’s approval (Ginsberg 113). The other illustration of limited powers of the Texas Governor is the fact the Texas Constitution grants the Governor precious few formal and procedural tools for managing the relationship between the Governor and the legislature. A successful governor ought to encourage the legislation passage that is consistent with his political agenda and prevents legislation at odds with his agenda. While the Governor of Texas has veto as a valuable resource, the veto is not absolute. This is because the legislature may reverse a veto through two-thirds of each chamber (Maxwell, Ernest and Adolfo 102). Texas State has about 200 boards, agencies, commissions, and boards that oversee the daily government operation, and the governor has the power to make several hundred appointments to these several entities. The appointments give the governor the opportunity to place people in these positions to maintain or set a specific tone for the office or to reward his supporters (Brown 36). However, it should be noted that the appointment power of the governor is limited by the two-thirds confirmation or approval of the Senate. It is noteworthy that the Texas governor has the constitutional requirement of addressing the public and delivering a message to open the legislative session. He is also required to give biennial budget message, as well as the retirement message when the session comes to an end. In addition, the governor may give emergency messages when necessary. All these are formal powers that allow the Governor not only to persuade but also to put forth his political agenda and personal views. If this political power is employed strategically it can help the governor to offset the limited powers that the office has (Ginsberg 129). Events that lead to the gubernatorial election in Texas create an impression that the state’s governor must have huge and enormous influence over policy and politics in the state. Some governors and the public are often surprised to realize that there are limited resources and powers at the disposal of the Texas governor (Kraemer 81). While the Governor exercises vast resources compared to other citizens, the expectations vested in the office surpasses the actual powers that is vested in the office of the governor. As has been noted, this situation can be attributed to the fact that the executive powers in Texas are dispersed throughout a series of elected commissions, boards, and offices. As such, the governor is required to carefully use the powers vested directly to him in order to perform his duty effectively (Ginsberg 186). So, should the governor of Texas need more powers? The governor of Texas does not need more powers. While it is true that the governor of Texas has less power compared to governors of other states in the America, it is not necessary to increase the powers of the governor of Texas (Wilson 59). The governor has a long list of responsibilities and duties to the people of Texas and the existing powers allow him or her to discharge these duties and responsibilities effectively. Although the Texas governor’s office has had less power compared to other governors, it has been able to perform its duties and responsibilities extremely well. In some instances, the office has performed better than other governor’s office with more powers. The legislation role of the governor has rarely been impeded by the limited powers that he wields. In fact, the successive governors of Texas have been instrumental in planning the legislative process and in providing the direction for the state government to serve the Texas people more effectively (Kraemer 88). There is no need to increase the governor of Texas powers because the existing laws on authority and powers of the office provide adequate check and balance measures. The limited powers of authority of Texas governor means that he has little room to deviate from Texas Constitution (Kraemer 91). Additionally, the limited powers in budgeting on the part of the governor coupled with significant involvement of the LBB means that the stat’s budgeting process is more accountable and transparent. Such a transparent and accountable process has enabled the Texas government to effectively adapt to changing economic conditions. Moreover, the existing powers of the governor on appointments are sufficient and there is no need for additional powers in that respect (Ginsberg 186). The governor of Texas has the powers to appoint persons to a various positions within the state government. This power is strategic in the sense that it sets tone for the office and ensures that loyal people are placed to critical positions in state government (Maxwell, Ernest and Adolfo 94). Conclusion There is no doubt that the powers of the governor of Texas are limited. When compared to other states, the governor of Texas has limited powers on issues such as budgeting and other executive powers. While this is the case, the governor of Texas does not need more power. As has been noted, the current powers bestowed on the governor of Texas are sufficient. The existing powers facilitate effective execution of duties and responsibilities. In addition, the existing powers ensures that there is adequate check and balance measures. More importantly, existing powers ensures that there is a high degree of accountability and transparency in the governance of Texas. Works Cited Brown, Lyle C. Practicing Texas Politics. Boston, MA: Wadsworth Cengage Learning, 2012. Print. Ginsberg, Benjamin. We the People: An Introduction to American Politics. New York: W.W. Norton & Co, 2009. Print. Kraemer, Richard et al. Texas Politics. Belmont, CA: Heinle Cengage Learning, 2009. Print. Maxwell, William E, Ernest Crain, and Adolfo Santos. Texas Politics Today. Boston, MA: Wadsworth Cengage Learning, 2012. Print. Wilson, James Q. American Government: Brief Version. Boston: Wadsworth, 2009. Print. Read More