Traditionally the office of Governor of Texas is considered a "weak" one because it is held in check by the Lieutenant Governor and Legislature, who together control which bills get passed and make it to the Governor for signature and which bills get tabled and disappear forever. This setup gives the Lieutenant Governor, who acts as President of the Senate, a lot of power regarding the Administration's agenda. The Lieutenant Governor also wields a great deal of power over state finances as a senior member of the Budget Board and appoints legislators to important committees.
However, the Governor has veto power over any bills and also appoints people to state boards and agencies. If the Governor is a savvy politician, they will use their office as a "bully pulpit" and use the media to advance their agenda. They can veto bills too late in the session for the Legislature to take up again. The Governor also has the ability to call a Special Session, during which the Legislature can only consider what the Governor has determined.
If the Governor and Lieutenant Governor are in sync politically, they can get a lot done. If not, the Lieutenant Governor sets the pace and the Governor sometimes acts more as a spoiler.
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