Government of Texas

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Overview of the government of the U.S. state of Texas

The Government of Texas operates under the Constitution of Texas and consists of three branches: the executive, legislative, and judicial branches. The state government is based in Austin, the capital of Texas.

Executive Branch

The executive branch is headed by the Governor of Texas, who is elected for a four-year term. The current governor is Greg Abbott. Other key officials in the executive branch include the Lieutenant Governor of Texas, the Attorney General of Texas, the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts, the Texas Land Commissioner, and the Texas Agriculture Commissioner. These officials are also elected to four-year terms.

Governor

The Governor of Texas is the chief executive officer of the state and is responsible for ensuring that state laws are executed. The governor has the power to veto bills, call special sessions of the Texas Legislature, and grant pardons and reprieves.

Lieutenant Governor

The Lieutenant Governor of Texas is the second-highest executive office in the state and presides over the Texas Senate. The lieutenant governor has significant influence over legislation and the state budget.

Legislative Branch

The Texas Legislature is a bicameral body composed of the Texas House of Representatives and the Texas Senate. The legislature meets in regular session every odd-numbered year for 140 days. Special sessions can be called by the governor.

Texas House of Representatives

The Texas House of Representatives consists of 150 members who are elected to two-year terms. The House is responsible for initiating revenue bills and impeachment proceedings.

Texas Senate

The Texas Senate consists of 31 members who are elected to four-year terms. The Senate confirms gubernatorial appointments and tries impeachment cases.

Judicial Branch

The judicial branch of Texas is divided into several levels, including the Texas Supreme Court, the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals, and lower courts such as district courts, county courts, and justice of the peace courts.

Texas Supreme Court

The Texas Supreme Court is the highest civil court in the state and consists of nine justices, including a Chief Justice. The court has final appellate jurisdiction in civil and juvenile cases.

Texas Court of Criminal Appeals

The Texas Court of Criminal Appeals is the highest criminal court in the state and also consists of nine judges, including a Presiding Judge. The court has final appellate jurisdiction in criminal cases.

Local Government

Texas is divided into 254 counties, each governed by a Commissioners' Court consisting of a county judge and four commissioners. Cities and towns in Texas may be incorporated as either general-law or home-rule municipalities.

Related Pages

• Texas Legislature
• Governor of Texas
• Texas Senate
• Texas House of Representatives
• Texas Supreme Court
• Texas Court of Criminal Appeals
• Constitution of Texas
• Austin, Texas

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