Question

The 1876 constitution requires that almost all of Texas government officials be elected. Why are elected officials more likely to respond to the will of the people than ones who are appointed by the governor?

(Free response)

Answer 1

Constitution of 1876

• Reduced power of the governor and the legislature

• The local government had the most power, not the state government

• Almost all government officials elected instead of appointed

• The legislature could meet only once per year

• Reduced government spending

• Lowered taxes

• Lowered the salaries of legislators and other state officials

• Reduced the amount of money spent on education and other services

Step-by-step explanation:

edg. 2021

Answer 2

The reason is that the elected officials know that the people have the power to replace or remove them if they are not effective in discharging their duties.

Step-by-step explanation:

The 1876 constitution of Texas was prepared by the Democrats after the state just recovered from the autocratic rule of Republican governor, Edmund J. Davis. The republicans held unto power for so many years, excluding the citizens from the political activities going on in the state. The democrats sought to end this with the new constitution. Elected officials are chosen by the people through the voting process, whereas, appointed officials are selected by the governor perhaps on the basis of experience.

Elected officials would most likely respond to the will of the people when elected rather than appointed because, the officials are aware that they cannot seize or hold unto power for long periods of time. Therefore, they must continually prove themselves to be responsible and efficiently carry out their duties if they want approval from the people or desire re-election. It is an effective means of regulating the government.