Author Question: How can the governor's session-calling powers be used to influence the legislative process? What ... (Read 79 times)

audragclark · **on:** Jul 8, 2018

How can the governor's session-calling powers be used to influence the legislative process?

What will be an ideal response?

Question 2

How do the legislative powers of the governor of Texas differ from other state governors?

What will be an ideal response?

Ddddd · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 8, 2018

Answer to Question 1

Answer:
A. Governor's session calling powers influence the legislative process
1. has sole authority to call special sessions
a. allows governor to pressure legislature into action
2. sets agenda for sessions
a. legislature cannot bring issue in special session without approval from governor
1. lets governor have control over which legislation is considered
b. can use power to increase influence
1. if legislature has an issue it wants passed, it is more likely to consider governor's agenda
c. adding issues to agenda makes sure governor's agenda is dealt with first
d. can keep session going indefinitely providing incentive for legislative cooperation
1. no session can last over 30 days but governors can call unlimited session
2. threat of special session can encourage legislature to pass governor's agenda during regular session
3. legislators do not want to stay longer than necessary

Answer to Question 2

Answer:
A. Texas governors can call legislature to special session
1. most states allow legislature to call itself into session
2. in Texas, this power strengthens executive and weakens legislature
a. given by Grange to restrict legislators
b. governor can call agenda
c. issues must be approved by governor
d. allows governor to secure his agenda first
e. can call unlimited number of special sessions
B. state constitution maintains that the governor gives State of the State address at the beginning of the legislative session
C. review of state governor's power ranks Texas among the lowest
1. no power to determine the budget
a. Legislative Budget Board controls budget process in Texas
2. has limited appointive powers
3. low veto power
a. Texas gives governor 10 days to veto a bill
b. can use post-adjournment veto after session and cannot be overridden by senate
c. line-item veto power: governor can veto each item in an appropriations bill
1. gives governor negotiating power
d. Texas governor does not have reduction veto power