The line item veto Multiple Choice ? is a key power of the Texas governor. ? was declared unconstitutional in the 1980s. ? applies to all bills except the budget. ? is possessed by only a small percentage of state governors.
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
The correct answer is:
The line item veto applies to all bills except the budget.
Explanation:
The line-item veto is a power that allows the governor of a state, such as Texas, to reject specific provisions (or “lines”) of a bill, typically a spending measure, without vetoing the entire bill. This power enables the governor to selectively remove certain expenditures while allowing the rest of the bill to become law.
In Texas, the line-item veto specifically applies to the budget bill, which is the main appropriation bill passed by the legislature. This is an important distinction because the governor’s ability to veto specific parts of the budget is a key mechanism for controlling state spending and influencing fiscal policy. The line-item veto power in Texas does not extend to all types of bills—only to those dealing with appropriations, i.e., funding.
It is important to note that the line-item veto was not declared unconstitutional in the 1980s. The ability of governors to exercise the line-item veto has been upheld by the courts. In fact, this power remains a significant tool for the Texas governor, and many other states also grant their governors this power to allow for more precise control over the state’s fiscal matters.
Additionally, the line-item veto is not an exclusive power to Texas. Many states grant their governors this power, although the extent of the veto’s applicability and the exact rules can vary. Therefore, while the line-item veto is not possessed by “only a small percentage of state governors,” it is relatively unique in how it applies only to appropriation bills in Texas.
In summary, the line-item veto is a significant tool for Texas governors, allowing them to trim budgets while leaving other parts of the bill intact. It does not apply to all bills except the budget, and it has not been ruled unconstitutional.
