Answer to Question 1
Answer: An ideal response will:
1. Explain that the governor's appointment powers are limited by the plural executive.
2. Explain that the governor makes appointments to boards and commissions subject to the approval of the Senate.
3. Explain that board members typically serve six-year terms, thereby limiting the governor's ability to quickly change policy direction.
4. Explain that boards may become captives of constituencies they are serving or regulating.
5. Articulate and defend a position on the governor's strength from appointive powers.
Answer to Question 2
Answer: An ideal response will:
1. Define plural executive.
2. Identify the major executive offices in Texas and how officials are chosen.
3. Identify the desire to limit the authority of the governor as the rationale for the plural executive.
4. Explain how independent elections of officials allow for independent power bases and potential conflict.
5. Explain how the executive structure makes it more difficult for the governor to influence policy direction and implementation.
Three of the color variants found at Fossil Rim Wildlife Center in Texas
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Medical assistant working in a front office area of a medical office.
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Separation of Powers and Checks and Balances