Jack Holloway has recently been appointed as governor of Texas. He wants to appoint all the staff. What would limit this opportunity for him?

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Answer:
A. Governor has many opportunities for appointments
1. various boards and commissions in a single four-year term
2. usually appoints major campaign contributors
3. governor appoints his own staff
a. serve at governor's discretion
b. do not have to approved by senate
c. accountable to governor alone
B. Factors limit opportunities
1. overlapping terms mean that the prior governor's appointments continue to affect politics after term is over
a. no provisions for governor to remove prior appointments
2. most effective executive offices are elected by voters
a. no formal or constitutional power that would allow him or her to override the decisions of other elected executives
3. appointments receive scrutiny as to demographics represented
4. senatorial courtesy: informal practice that enables senators to defeat appointments from home district
5. appointments can be defeated unless approved by 2/3rds of the senate
a. few appointments are actually rejected
b. some already serving
c. would cause chaos and confusion for board or commission
6. governor cannot remove own appointees without 2/3rds senate approval
a. limits governor's control over state agencies
b. board members can ignore governor's agenda after appointment
c. policy makers wanted to make sure the governor cannot have absolute control