Weak Chief Executive:
Unlike other US states executives, the Texas constitution has a weak chief executive and its reasons date back to the history of the Texas constitution during Reconstruction phase in 1876. The makers of the constitution distributed the executive powers related to state funds, legal system, education, transportation and other public benefit matters among a number of publicly elected officials such as Comptroller, Attorney General, Land Commissioner, Railroad Commissioner, Agricultural Commissioner etc. Although, the Governor is the chief of the state, chief executive, and commander in chief but constitutionally, he has to share his powers with others. This dispersion of power is also known as ‘plural executive’. The Governor has restrained budgetary powers with no significant role in the budget making process. Any transfer of money by him to the agencies needs the approval of Legislative Budget Board (LLB) 1.
Outdated Legislature
Legislature has an important role in the democratic governments and deals with diverse social issues through procedures defined by law. However, the Texas legislature has a part-time structure with outdated procedures. Its sessions are comprised of only 140 days in every two years which is very short time-period to address important issues of national interests. The legislative figures are exploited by strong business motives in the politics. The legislature has low level of trust with the government and is highly influenced by certain institutional and cultural forces. The legislature is inefficient in playing its representational role which can be attributed to less salary of the state senators and representatives.
Inefficiency of Judiciary
The inefficient organisation of a five-layered and complex judiciary structure in Texas can be associated with the less powers of the Governor. Like executive officials, judges are elected by the public and this poor mechanism for selection of judges as suggested by the state constitution has weakened the judicial system overall. Due to this wrong judicial selection, less competent judges are appointed who are not well-prepared before appearing in the court. As a result, an excessive number of cases have been awaiting proceedings. This backlog of cases has affected both the efficiency and the actual purpose of judiciary for the state.
Restricted Budgetary Options
In Texas, some dedicated accounts were introduced by the state law to achieve some significant goals like coastline protection, financing any governmental project, funding medical or education sectors, assisting low salaried people to meet their basic expenses etc. The purpose of these funds was to balance the budget and funding the state’s requirements. It has restricted the budgetary options and the legislative figures should focus on finding new avenues of catering with the budgetary needs other than dedicated funds including TUSF, 911 Funds and Trauma.
Proposals for Reducing Weaknesses
The Governor of Texas should be given complete authority to manage the state affairs, select judiciary and participate in budget making with a practical role in the legislative decisions. There is a need to bring constitutional changes in order to empower the Governor for running the state under his supervision to correct the weaknesses in the system.
