A bail bond must be made payable to ____________.

A bail bond is a financial guarantee that allows an arrested individual to be released from jail while awaiting trial. The correct answer indicates that a bail bond must be made payable to the State of Texas. This is because the bond acts as a form of security to ensure that the defendant will return for their court hearings. If the individual fails to appear, the bond can be forfeited to the state. Each state has specific protocols regarding bail bonds, including who the bond is made payable to, and in this case, it's specifically to the state, reflecting the legal authority and oversight involved in the bail process.

Other choices do not align with standard legal practices regarding bail bonds. The county of the jail is not the recipient of the bond; rather, the state typically manages and regulates bail transactions. The federal government is involved in federal cases where federal bail bonds might be applicable, but not in standard state-level processes. A judge oversees the process and sets the bail amount, but the bond itself is payable to the state rather than the judge individually. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for grasping the legalities surrounding bail.