Texas operates under the **Constitution of 1876**, which created a comparatively decentralized state government and a notably plural executive structure. Power is divided among executive, legislative, and judicial branches, with many key officials elected separately rather than appointed by the governor.
## State government structure - **Governor:** The chief executive, elected statewide. - **Lieutenant Governor:** A powerful statewide officer who presides over the Texas Senate and has major influence over legislation. - **Legislature:** A bicameral body made up of the **Texas Senate** and the **Texas House of Representatives**. - **Judiciary:** Includes the **Supreme Court of Texas** for civil matters and the **Texas Court of Criminal Appeals** for criminal cases, along with lower courts.
## Capital and administration - **Capital city:** Austin - **State capitol:** Texas State Capitol, seat of state government - **Administrative divisions:** 254 counties, more than any other U.S. state
## Statewide leadership Because officeholders change over time, the most reliable source for current names is the official State of Texas website. As of the mid-2020s, the governor is **Greg Abbott**. Other major statewide offices include lieutenant governor, attorney general, comptroller, land commissioner, agriculture commissioner, and members of the Railroad Commission of Texas.
## Representation Texas sends members to the **U.S. House of Representatives** and is represented by **two U.S. senators** in Congress. Legislative and congressional districts are periodically redrawn following the census, and representation can shift as population grows.
## Public services The state government oversees or helps coordinate: - Public education systems and universities - Highways and transportation planning - Public safety and emergency management - Health and human services - Water planning and environmental regulation - State parks, land management, and natural resources
Local government is handled through counties, municipalities, school districts, and numerous special districts. In practice, governance in Texas is a mix of strong local identity, broad state authority, and a large, complex administrative network.
