Chapter 8 – the Plural Executive and the Bureaucracy

Cynthia Gurrero & David Macias

*Plural ExecutiveAs the Chief Executive of the United States, the

president selects his or her top department officers or Cabinet – in order to help him run the nation.

At the State level, the Cabinet System is also the normal structure .

In Texas, however, there is no cabinet system.The system.The State has a Plural Executive: the governor,

lieutenant governor, attorney general, comptroller, land commissioner, and agriculture commissioner.

*Plural Executive (Cont.)They are elected independently.Reflects the States Conservative Tradition.Independently elected executive officials

limit the power of the governor.The executive branch is able to carry out

laws through an extensive bureaucracy.

Elected Officials: Lieutenant GovernorMany Political Scientists believe that the

office of lieutenant governor is the most powerful position in the state.

Role is to Succeed the governor in case of death, removal, or resignation.

Greatest powers are within legislative arena.

Elected Officials: Attorney General The State’s lawyerServes 4 year term with no limit on termsDefends Texas and it’s ConstitutionThe office has about 4,200 employees, and

employs about 400 attorneys with 70 regimal offices.

Departments Include:Consumer Protection DivisionChild Support Enforcement DivisionCollections Division and Opinion

Committee.

Elected Officials: Comptroller of Public AccountsStates accountant and Chief Tax Collector1. Tells legislature how much money it has to spend.2. Finds way to save the state money and spend Funds

more efficiently.3. Fills out federal grant paperwork. When done

correctly, the state could receive more federal money.

Performance Review of Comptroller transferred to Legislative Budget Board.

In 1995 an amendment was passed to abolish state treasurer’s office. These Functions were then transferred to Comptroller.

Elected Officials: Commissioner of General LandHas responsibility for leasing and use of public land.

Serves 4-year Term.States public land belongs to the PSF / Permanent School Fund.

Requires candidate running for position to be an experienced farmer

Elected Officials: Commissioner of AgricultureRegulates pesticides and provides info, training and licenses.

Establishes the accuracy of the weights.

Only statewide executive offices that isn’t constitutionally mandated.

Appointed OfficesGovernor appoints Secretary of State, Insurance Commissioner, and adjutant General.

Interprets the election Code

Appointed Offices: Insurance CommissionerRegulates Insurance company practices.

Ensures companies have the financial resources to cover potential claims.

Appointed Offices: Adjutant GeneralHighest - ranking state military leader, besides the governor.

Oversees Army National Guard, Air National Guard and Texas National Guard.

The BureaucracyNeeded to carry out lawsCitizens think faceless bureaucrats are lazy or power hungry.

Has about 150,000 employees

The Bureaucracy: Hierarchy and ExpertiseChain of demandPeople needed “connections” to obtain a government job back then.

This was called the “Spoils System”

The Bureaucracy: AccountabilityGovernor does not do direct control over agencies

Most state boards don’t follow anyone.1. Depend on legislative appropriations 2. Sunset review process is for the

legislature to close and or modify an agency.

Elected Boards: Texas Railroad CommissionGained control over oil, gas production, pipelines, and trucking in the past years.

Usually regulates Railroad transportation in Texas.

Elected Boards: State Board of EducationOversees Texas Education Agency.

Members are elected by district.

The Commissioner sends suggestions to the governor.

Administrative BoardsParks & Wildlife DepartmentDepartment of Transportation

Health & Human Services Commission.

University Boards and Coordinating Board

Oversight for Public Universities

Occupational Licensing BoardsSets Standard for occupational

licensingContains members of Public and

workers in the field.Regulates licensing in Cosmetology,

Dentistry, Occupational Therapy, Polygraphy, and Audiology.

Regulatory – Boards: Public Utility Commission.Sets rates for companies and regulates utility.

Regulates electric & phone Companies.

Sunset Advisory CommissionDetermines if agencies outlive usefulness.Unconstitutionally mandated agencies (Must be renewed every 12 years)Does self evaluation then public hearings

held.5 Senators appointed by the lieutenant Gov.

5 rep appointed by speaker & 2 members of Public, 1 appointed by speaker other by lieutenant Gov.