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Plural executive model Texas government applies the plural executive model which came into effect in 1876 (Champagne, 271). The model was established to ensure that the decisions concerning the state would not entirely rest on an individual but a committee therefore, power is not held by one individual. There is a difference between Plural executive model and the single executive model. The single executive model vests one individual such as the president, with the mandate to control the branch of the executive. This paper explores arguments surrounding the plural executive model, democracy and accountability it offers and how the Texas government compares to the other states. Plural executive model limits the powers of the governor by distributing power to other seven officials such as the office of the attorney general. The citizens of Texas get to elect six of the official members while the governor elects the secretary of the states (Champagne et al, 271). By allowing other independent elected members influence decision making concerning the state, many believe that the plural executive model of governance tends to cause polarization stemming from the fact that these members have different views. Polarization may also arise due to competition from the official members belonging to different political parties leading to a conflict of interests (Champagne et al, 272). Unity especially when determining crucial matters is a major issue facing plural model of governance (Kelly, 350). There are high chances that the elected members might clash with the governor. Therefore, this mode of governance is subjected to conflict of interests resulting from the various ideas and not united under a common goal with one voice. Single plural executive model is believed to be efficient in decision making since the powers rest entirely on one person (Champagne et al, 283). However, the system is also subjected to misuse of power. For instance, Bush administration stated that the president was allowed to do whatever he wanted without seeking Congressional or judicial approval. The plural executive model was established to ensure there are no cases of abuse of power (Champagne et

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al, 283). The plural model vests the people of Texas with the authority to elect the official executive members. The people therefore are in a position to influence their interests in matters of the state. Since the powers and responsibilities of the Texas government do not rely on a single individual, it strikes a balance of the different political views and ideologies (Kelly, 349). The plural executive model of governance is more democratic, efficient and offers government accountability compared to the single executive model (Kelly, 351). Most nations are democratic thus it is important for the public to be involved in decision making. The single model does not offer the avenue for such participation because there is no room for debate since power is vested upon a single individual (Maxwell, 66). Since plural model distributes power to many individuals, it allows the electorate influence the selection of executive officers (Champagne et al, 283). Because the people of Texas elect the official executive members, the Texas government is kept in check by the consent and stipulations of the citizens of Texas (Kelly, 356). Therefore, the plural executive model is best suitable since it gives people from all walks of life the opportunity to influence state policies and there is no predominance of ideologies. “Most states apply single executive model so that the governor and the lieutenant governor are elected to office together” (Champagne et al, 283). The governor heads the executive branch in all the American states. They are the chief executive officers and act as commanders in chief of the states. However, compared to other states, the Texas government has a weak governor since the governor’s power is distributed to other members (Maxwell, 67). However, the powers of the governor in Texas has been increased over the last twenty years (Maxwell, 70). Like other states, the governor is elected by the people. However, governors from Texas hold the office for four years from two years unlike states such as Vermont and New Hampshire (Maxwell, 71). Texas has a lieutenant governor compared to states like Oregan which lacks lieutenant governors (Maxwell, 46). Plural executive model limits the power of the governor by distributing power among the other executive model. Texas uses the plural executive model to prevent cases of abuse of power

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and vest Texans with the power to elect the executive officers. Unlike plural model, single model vests a single individual with power and authority to make decisions. Plural executive is more democratic and a system of checks and balance.

Works cited Champagne, Anthony, et al. Governing Texas. fourth ed., W.W. Norton & Company, 2019. Kelly, Brighid Brooks. "Conclusions: How Can Stability Be Achieved Most Efficiently in Plural Societies?." Power-Sharing and Consociational Theory. Palgrave Macmillan, Cham, 2019. 341-356. Maxwell, William Earl. Texas Politics Today. 17th ed., Cengage Learning, 2016....