Final answer:
The governor of Texas is elected by the qualified voters of the state, while the Secretary of State is appointed by the governor.
Step-by-step explanation:
According to Article 4 of the Texas Constitution, the governor is chosen by the qualified voters of the state. The excerpt specifies that the Executive Department officers, except for the Secretary of State, shall be elected by the qualified voters during the same time as the election for members of the Legislature. The Secretary of State is an exception because this officer is appointed by the Governor, with the advice and consent of the Senate.
The system of government in Texas is designed to ensure that the powers are divided among three distinct departments: the legislative, the executive, and the judicial. Furthermore, the executive branch in Texas is known as a 'plural executive' because many offices, including the Governor, are elected directly by the people, creating a system that fosters checks and balances by making these officials accountable to the electorate. This is in contrast to the Secretary of State, who is appointed by the Governor and serves at the pleasure of the Governor's term.