Powers of the Texas Governor: The Texas Governor

Texas Governor: An Evaluation of Powers

George W. Bush, the 46th governor of the State of Texas, once termed it "the best job in the world" despite the fact that, of the fifty governors in the United States, they hold the least constitutional powers. This limitation of powers came about due to perceived abuses of power by Governor E.J. Davis during Reconstruction, which necessitated the Texas constitution to support a weak governor with limited formal power. Compared to the Governor of New Jersey who wields immense powers, including the ability to appoint Supreme Court justices and fill cabinet positions, Texas governors are considered the weakest. In light of the numerous limitations this office has to contend with, it is surprising that those serving in the position of governor in Texas are considered some of the most skillful when it comes to promotion of policies and exercising of their political privileges. In fact, their efforts have had a major impact on the lives of Texans due to the various educational, developmental, and insurance related reforms that they have implemented. According to McCall, the fairness, loyalty, competence, and leadership are the fundamentals of governorship, which means that the success of Texas governors cannot be solely attributed to the powers of the office (3). In an attempt to dispute the allegations that Texas governors are weak, this text evaluates their powers and assesses their ability to lead. It also examines past administrations and takes a look at the strengths and weaknesses of the gubernatorial position.

The powers of the Texas governor

The powers of the governors can be categorized into leadership, executive, and legislative powers. Governors are in charge of making the policy recommendations that are introduced as bills by lawmakers in the senate and statehouse chambers (Office of The Governor, Texas). They also appoint those in charge of commissions and boards that oversee heads of departments and state agencies as well as the secretary of state. The governors may reject specific legislations as they deem it fit, in accordance with the state budget, and they can also moderate the harshness of punishment granted to criminals. In case the legislature has not convened, governors may appoint people without confirmation, who work until the legislature gets back in session. In the Texas constitution, governors are recognized as commanders in chief of the state and they oversee the actions of the Texas National Guard when the need arises (McCall, 7). Generally, the executive office's powers are distributed among different boards, commissions, and agencies (Office of The Governor, Texas).

In agreement with McCall, Texas governors cannot be said to be too weak to lead because "the strengths of an individual governor's personality can overcome many of the limitations opposed by the office" (McCall, 3). Therefore, the effectiveness of the governors rests in their ability to utilize their persuasion skills, personalities, and influence to appeal to the emotions of Texans in a way that will enable them to promote and implement their policies. McCall asserts that in any form of relationship, the powerful party is the most flexible, hence gubernatorial leadership in Texas requires the governors to balance their people's needs for leadership with their personal quests for power (4)

Official and political strengths and weaknesses of the position

One of the major advantages of being the governor of Texas are the wonderful opportunities and services they are accorded. Their families get to live in the Greek Revival mansion, they get more that 150 staff at their beck and call, and they lead a receptive group of people that appreciates all their efforts (McCall, 131). In Texas, governors can easily carry out favors for their people in return for their support, which gives them a political advantage. For instance, George Bush used his charisma and electoral mandate to charm Texans and to convince legislature to enact his agenda on various issues, such as taxes and education. The governors also draw media attention easily, which ensures their messages are effectively passed across. Due to the reputation of the governor position in Texas, it is also easier for governors to introduce and implement new policies. In His reign, Bush advocated tax cuts and signed the two largest tax cuts in the history of Texas. Rick Perry, the 47th governor also made an impression with his impressive record of job creation.

Due to the limitations imposed by the office, the gubernatorial position also has a variety of weaknesses. For instance, those serving in the position do not enjoy some of the powers granted to other governors. The perception by the entire nation that they are weak does not also help the situation. Furthermore, both their official and political powers are immensely diffused when officials answer to the electorate. When too much is expected from this office despite its limitations - the governors may have a hard time implementing their policies. For example, Perry was said to have failed in delivery of good jobs with better wages despite the fact that 38% of all new jobs created in the United States in that period came from Texas. When compared to the Speaker and the Lieutenant Governor, the weaknesses of the Governors become even more pronounced. Allan Shivers was once quoted saying that their inability to dominate over the legislature limited their ability to get anything worth being done (McCall, 5).