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The three branches of Texas State government

The three branches of Texas State government. Structured much like the Federal Government. 3 branches of state government. Legislative Branch. The legislative branch MAKES the laws. The main lawmaking body of this branch is known as the Legislature, or Congress.

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The three branches of Texas State government

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  1. The three branches of Texas State government Structured much like the Federal Government

  2. 3 branches of state government

  3. Legislative Branch • The legislative branch MAKES the laws. • The main lawmaking body of this branch is known as the Legislature, or Congress. • Congress is bicameral, meaning it is made up of two parts: the House of Representatives and the Senate. • Congress comes in session once every two years.

  4. Texas Legislative Branch • 4 year terms • Elected • 31 Members • Must be at least 26 years of age • Chief Official: Vice President or Lieutenant Governor, referred to as “President of the Senate” • 2 year terms • Elected • 150 Members • Must be at least 21 years of age • Chief Official: Speaker of the House

  5. Legislative powers The Texas Legislature has the power to: • Make laws and propose amendments. • Maintain state budget • Impeach the governor

  6. Making laws • Proposed laws called BILLS are introduced in the House or Senate, then after being sent to committee for consensus, a vote is held. • If approved, the Bill is sent to the governor for approval…..

  7. To become a LAW • If signed by governor, the Bill becomes a LAW. • If vetoed- it is not law • If the governor vetoes a bill, the Legislature can override the veto with two-thirds (2/3) vote.

  8. Financing The Texas Legislature is responsible for maintaining a balanced state budget. It does this through • Taxes • Licenses • fees

  9. impeachment • The Texas Legislature has the sole power of impeachment (removing someone from office.) • Only one Texas governor has been impeached- James ”Pa” Ferguson

  10. Executive Branch • Carries out the laws • Conducts the business of the state

  11. The Governor • The Governor is the highest member of the executive branch • Also includes the: • Lieutenant Governor • Secretary of State • Attorney General • Comptroller of Public Accounts • Commissioner of the General Land Office • Commissioner of Agriculture Governor Greg Abbott

  12. Executive terms of Service • The length of term for the governor of Texas is four years. • However, there is no limit to the number of terms one can serve. • He or she may not hold any other job while in office.

  13. Executive branch The Governor has the power to • Veto laws (this can be overridden in the Legislative Branch with a 2/3 vote.) • call special sessions of the legislature for emergency state business. • declare martial law in case of a state emergency.

  14. Judicial Branch duties • Interprets the laws of the state (decides if they are Constitutional) • Specifically they… • Settles disputes between citizens • Hear cases and render verdicts • Sees that Texas laws and trials are fair • Oversees law enforcement

  15. Judicial branch consists of • Texas Supreme Court • Court of Criminal Appeals • District Courts • County Courts • Justice of the Peace Courts

  16. Texas Supreme Court • The name of the highest court in Texas to hear civil or juvenile cases is the Supreme Court • Nine justices(8 members and 1 chief) sit on the Texas Supreme Court.

  17. Court of Appeals • The Court of Appeals is the highest court in Texas to hear criminal cases. • Determines whether trials held in trial courts were fair.

  18. Judicial Term of Office • The length of the term of office for the judges of the higher level state courts is six years.

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