A major power for the Texas State governor is the power of clemency. It contains the authority to pardon, parole, and grant reprieve to convicted criminals (Jones 211). The 1876 Texas Constitution granted the governor unlimited power to do so until 1936. There were several cases of governors being too generous with such pardoning powers. For example, Governor Miriam A. Ferguson was criticized for the excessive use of pardons while serving and accused of selling clemency to convicts (“Miriam”). This incited the 1936 amendment that created a Board of Pardons and Paroles which limited and transferred governor’s power to the board. Therefore, the involvement of the board further prevented the abuse of clemency and accusations of malicious activity
