Participation in the political process Research Paper

Participation in the political process - Research Paper Example Federal government. All states elect state Governors to represent and lead their states. However the powers, privilege, and policy-making allowance of any Governor differs from state to state. For example, the state of Texas Governor’s role is a bit different from the majority of other states. Interestingly enough, the Texas Governorship, rather the territory that would one day be called the state of Texas, has existed longer than the office than the President of the United States (Maddex, 2006). From 1836-1845 the position of Governor was titled the President of the Lone Star Republican prior to the unionization of the state. The present Constitution defines the position of Governor as the Executive power of Texas Governors; however there are limitations to that power. There is a â€Å"pluralism† of the executive powers, which disperses the overall control among a number of elected to boards and committees (Texas State Historical Association, 2014). This decentralization of power is unique and needed. For this reason Texas government, specifically, limited the powers of any individual Governor to prevent any repetition of the past (Maddex, 2006). In order to become a Texas Governor the candidate must be, at least, 30 years old and be a resident of the state for no less than 5 years. The elected Governor is responsible for commanding the military, appointing heads of state agencies, handling states funds and taxes, and can propose bills and has the right to veto those bills presented by others (Texas State Historical Association, 2014).At one time, the Governor was exclusively in control of pardoning of prisoners. However these powers have, also, been limited. In 1929 the state created the Board of Pardons and Paroles, which would be the primary office In charge of prisoner pardons, the Governor is only allowed to act under the advisement of the Board. The Governor