The Plural Executive Research Paper

The plural executive is a system that divides the power among the lieutenant governor, state treasurer, general land commissioner, and attorney general. It was established in 1876 because state governors normally abused of their power many regarded it as oppressive and corrupt. The governor is limited to the people appointed to office and which appointees to office could be removed. However, the governor can still be successful if he works closely with the legislature and shares common visions. The governor can only appoint the Secretary of State other officials do not work together.
The Lieutenant governor serves as an acting governor when the governor resigns, is incapacitated or impeached. He is the Constitutional President of the Senate

and can vote on all issues during a “Committee of the Whole”. Also, he can decide parliamentary questions and set up standing and special committees and appoint all chairpersons and members. The Attorney General is head of the Texas’s civil law firm; he handles lawsuits filed against the state or by the state. An important power of the Attorney General is to advice any agency of the state or local government on the legality of an action. They have the duty to resolve any lawsuit, litigate, compromise, settle, or pursue a suit if they choose. An Attorney General can assist a local district attorney when there is a conflict of interest. They assume the responsibility for a criminal case if is appealed to the federal courts.
The Commissioner of the General Land Office (GLO) manages state lands. GLO provides low-cost loans for land, housing and home improvements to veterans through the Veteran’s Land Program. They also manage environment quality on public lands and waters. Additionally, GLO awards grazing and oil and gas exploration rights, some royalties on oil and land help fund the Permanent School Fund. The Commissioner of Agriculture enforces agricultural laws including inspections, disease- and pes-control programs, and quarantine laws. They ensure that farm products are of high quality and free of disease. They also check weights and measures like fuel pumps or scales used by grocery stores. Decisions made by commissioners can greatly affect agribusinesses that dominate the state.
The Comptroller of Public Accounts directs tax collection, nontax revenues, and estimation of anticipated revenues. Estimating revenues is important to the appropriations process since the legislature is prohibited from misuse of available capital. The legislature must reduce appropriations or increase revenues if a bill is not certified by the comptroller.