3: Texas Constitution
- Page ID
- 129121
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\(\newcommand{\avec}{\mathbf a}\) \(\newcommand{\bvec}{\mathbf b}\) \(\newcommand{\cvec}{\mathbf c}\) \(\newcommand{\dvec}{\mathbf d}\) \(\newcommand{\dtil}{\widetilde{\mathbf d}}\) \(\newcommand{\evec}{\mathbf e}\) \(\newcommand{\fvec}{\mathbf f}\) \(\newcommand{\nvec}{\mathbf n}\) \(\newcommand{\pvec}{\mathbf p}\) \(\newcommand{\qvec}{\mathbf q}\) \(\newcommand{\svec}{\mathbf s}\) \(\newcommand{\tvec}{\mathbf t}\) \(\newcommand{\uvec}{\mathbf u}\) \(\newcommand{\vvec}{\mathbf v}\) \(\newcommand{\wvec}{\mathbf w}\) \(\newcommand{\xvec}{\mathbf x}\) \(\newcommand{\yvec}{\mathbf y}\) \(\newcommand{\zvec}{\mathbf z}\) \(\newcommand{\rvec}{\mathbf r}\) \(\newcommand{\mvec}{\mathbf m}\) \(\newcommand{\zerovec}{\mathbf 0}\) \(\newcommand{\onevec}{\mathbf 1}\) \(\newcommand{\real}{\mathbb R}\) \(\newcommand{\twovec}[2]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\ctwovec}[2]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\threevec}[3]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cthreevec}[3]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\fourvec}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cfourvec}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\fivevec}[5]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \\ #5 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cfivevec}[5]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \\ #5 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\mattwo}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{rr}#1 \amp #2 \\ #3 \amp #4 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\laspan}[1]{\text{Span}\{#1\}}\) \(\newcommand{\bcal}{\cal B}\) \(\newcommand{\ccal}{\cal C}\) \(\newcommand{\scal}{\cal S}\) \(\newcommand{\wcal}{\cal W}\) \(\newcommand{\ecal}{\cal E}\) \(\newcommand{\coords}[2]{\left\{#1\right\}_{#2}}\) \(\newcommand{\gray}[1]{\color{gray}{#1}}\) \(\newcommand{\lgray}[1]{\color{lightgray}{#1}}\) \(\newcommand{\rank}{\operatorname{rank}}\) \(\newcommand{\row}{\text{Row}}\) \(\newcommand{\col}{\text{Col}}\) \(\renewcommand{\row}{\text{Row}}\) \(\newcommand{\nul}{\text{Nul}}\) \(\newcommand{\var}{\text{Var}}\) \(\newcommand{\corr}{\text{corr}}\) \(\newcommand{\len}[1]{\left|#1\right|}\) \(\newcommand{\bbar}{\overline{\bvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\bhat}{\widehat{\bvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\bperp}{\bvec^\perp}\) \(\newcommand{\xhat}{\widehat{\xvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\vhat}{\widehat{\vvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\uhat}{\widehat{\uvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\what}{\widehat{\wvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\Sighat}{\widehat{\Sigma}}\) \(\newcommand{\lt}{<}\) \(\newcommand{\gt}{>}\) \(\newcommand{\amp}{&}\) \(\definecolor{fillinmathshade}{gray}{0.9}\)After reading this chapter, you should be able to:
- Explain why Texas went through so many constitutions in the nineteenth century.
- Assess the reasons for so many amendments in the Texas Constitution, and the nature of the political forces that drove them.
- Identify where the 1876 has changed and where it has stayed the same.
The area we call Texas has been governed under nine different constitutions, each a reflection of the political circumstances of the time. One of the first was adopted in 1827 when the Mexican provinces of Texas and Coahuila were, under the authority of the 1824 Mexican Constitution, combined to form the state of Coahuila y Tejas. The Mexican Constitution itself was drafted and ratified when it achieved independence from Spain which created its first constitution in 1812. New constitutions were adopted as Texas went through further changes. For example, when it became a republic in 1836, and again when it joined the Union in 1845. Texas’s involvement in the failed attempt to create a separate nation with other southern states led to a rapid turnover in constitutions—four in fifteen years—culminating in a document that forms the basis of the current constitution, adopted by a Constitutional Convention in 1875 and ratified by Texas voters in 1876 (Figure 3.1). As if that wasn’t enough, the 1876 Constitution has been constantly amended, leading to substantive changes in parts of it, but retaining others. Further changes are being debated as this chapter is being written, while the Texas Legislature meets in Austin for its Eighty-Seventh Regular Session.
While this might at first seem highly confusing, you will find after a careful reading of this chapter that these changes make perfect sense. All it takes is an understanding of what constitutions do, and how they embody the goals and aspirations of the people who draft and ratify them (discussed in chapter 2). They are the fundamental rules that establish the governing process, and as power shifts from one group to another, those rules are changed to reflect those shifts. That at least is the story of the constitutions of Texas.
- 3.1: State Constitutions
- This page discusses the U.S. Constitution, drafted in 1787, its influence on state constitutions like Texas's, and the evolution of suffrage from wealthy white men to broader participation. It highlights the role of state constitutions in local governance and their similarities to the U.S. Constitution, while often addressing more localized issues. Texas, in particular, has seen multiple constitutions reflecting its unique history. Article 4 of the Constitution ensures republican governments.
- 3.2: The Constitutions of Texas 1812–1876
- This page outlines Texas's constitutional evolution influenced by Spanish, Mexican, and Confederate laws, alongside its unique history as an independent republic. Key timelines include periods of Anglo settlement, the quest for independence based on grievances against centralization, and the establishment of constitutions reflecting local governance and rights issues, especially post-Civil War with changing racial dynamics.
- 3.3: The Texas Constitution Today
- This page discusses the evolution of the Texas Constitution since 1876, highlighting significant amendments reflecting economic growth, social changes, and judicial reforms. Amendments have expanded the constitution from 22,911 to 97,642 words, addressing voting rights, education funding, and business regulations, while maintaining core principles. The judiciary's structure has also evolved to include intermediate appellate courts.
- 3.4: Prospects for Revision
- This page discusses the disorganized nature of the Texas Constitution and the unsuccessful attempts at reform, particularly a proposed Constitutional Convention approved in 1972. The proposed amendments in 1974 aimed to enhance government efficiency but were rejected due to public resistance to increased powers, resulting in a stagnation of serious reform initiatives since then.
- 3.5: Conclusion
- This page discusses the 1876 Constitution of Texas as foundational law that defines government structure and civil rights, requiring public approval for amendments. Over 500 amendments have mostly shifted power rather than altering core principles, reflecting Texas's evolution from an agrarian to a commercial state. It underscores the importance of constitutional language and the political dynamics influencing governance changes.
- 3.6: Key Terms and Concepts
- This page covers historical and legal concepts such as constitutional amendment processes, Black Codes, common law, and the foundations of government consent. It explores significant movements like Jacksonian democracy and Radical Republicans during Reconstruction, highlights the establishment of a plural executive in Texas, and discusses key rights including suffrage and slavery.