1876 texas constitution pdf

A constitution was adopted by the convention fifteen days later and ratified by a vote of the people of the republic. The structure of the current constitution of texas constitution of 1876 is a preamble, 17 articles, and 491 amendments since 2015 2. Because of its tight restrictions, it has had to be amended hundreds of times and is now considered to be one of the most disorganized and confusing of all state constitutions. The texas province legislative assembly met as a committee of the whole in 1974 to make a replacing for the constitution of 1876. The constitution of 1876 is the sixth constitution by which texas has been governed since independence from mexico was achieved in 1836. The powers of the government of the state of texas shall be divided into three distinct departments, each of which shall be confided to a separate body of magistracy. The texas constitution of 1876 when democrats regained control of state government in 1873 from radical republican governor edmund j. In 1868, another constitutional convention had to be called. In early 1876, texas voters approved the new constitution by a margin of two to one. Amendments to the texas constitution since 1876 the.

Their first state constitution was enacted in 1845. The current document was adopted on february 15, 1876, and is the seventh constitution in texas history including the mexican constitution. Print versions of the texas constitution may be found in a compilation and analysis of the 1998 texas constitution and the original 1876 text, located in the library at call number kft1601 1876. Portable document format pdf, plain text, and microsoft word versions are available. Their current constitution is based upon the 1876 constitution and had been amended 483 times since then. Weaknesses and criticisms of the constitution of 1876 l excessive details l restricts state and local governments l has obsolete and contradictory language l 474 amendments due to changing needs l the amendment process l texas ranks fourth with 474 amendments through 2011. This legislature showed no more understanding than the creators of the 1876 constitution did with regards to the success of the federal constitution.

Bill of rights that the general, great and essential principles of liberty and free government may be recognized and established, we declare. It was framed by the constitutional convention of 1875 and adopted on february 15, 1876, by a vote of 6,606 to 56,652, and it remains the basic organic law of texas. Declaration of the people of texas 1835 spanish text. Choose from 500 different sets of texas constitution of 1876 flashcards on quizlet.

The opening of the handwritten texas constitution of 1876. Article i bill of rights that the general, great and essential principles of liberty and free government may be recognized and established, we declare. Declaration, with plan and powers of the provisional government of texas 1836 declaration of independence 1836 constitution of the republic of texas 1836 constitution of texas 1845 constitution des staates texas 1845 german text. Learn texas constitution of 1876 with free interactive flashcards. The new constitution of 1876, which was adopted by a vote of fiftythree to eleven, was submitted to the people in an election on february 15, 1876. Seventyfive of the members of the convention were democrats, fifteen, including six black men, were republicans. Constitutional government began in texas under mexican rule. After a wild session, the delegates adjourned without completing their work. Amendments to the texas constitution since 1876 pdf. The headings to the individual sections of the texas constitution are, with a. The texas constitution of 1876 essay sample the republic of texas gained its independence from mexico in 1836.

Introduction constitution of texas 1876 tarlton law. The texas constitution of 1876 was drawn out of these principles decentralization of authority, fragmented chain of command and public opinion dye. The texas constitution of 1876 essay sample freebooksummary. The constitution of the republic of texas 1836, the first angloamerican constitution to govern texas, was drafted by a convention of fiftynine delegates who assembled at washingtononthebrazos on march 1, 1836 see convention of 1836.

Jan 29, 2020 text of the 1869 constitution of the state of texas, with original document scans. Constitution of the state of texas 1876 const findlaw. During the texas revolution, delegates to the convention of 1836 hastily drafted a new constitution for the fledgling republic of texas. The constitution of the state of texas is the document that establishes the structure and function of the government of the u. C iti i f t c tit ti f 1876criticisms of texas constitution of 1876 yremains a 19th century constitution that does provide adequate fifd 1 2 ihifoundation for stgoverning in the 21st century. As of last count, there have been 673 amendments considered by texas voters since the texas constitution was. Combined as a single state, texas and coahuila established a constitution in 1827.

Weaknesses and criticisms of the constitution of the texas. This legislative assembly showed no more understanding than the godheads of the 1876 fundamental law did with respects to the success of the federal constitution. Ann van wynen thomast men assembled together in state constitutional conventions have rarely shown such a genius for writing a constitution adequate for changing needs as that demonstrated by the founding fathers who gathered in philadelphia in 1787 to create the constitution of the united states. Information on this website is provided as a public service by the legislative reference library. Highly restrictive and antigovernment, this constitution places strict limitations. Although amended over 450 times, the texas constitution of 1876 remains the current charter for the state. The texas state legislature met as a committee of the whole in 1974 to create a replacement for the constitution of 1876. Any railroad corporation or association, organized under the law for the purpose, shall have the right to construct and operate a railroad between any points within this state, and to connect at the state line with railroads of other states. Use this page to navigate to all sections within the constitution of the state of texas. Printed at the news steam book and job establishment. As referenced we, the people of texas, in order to form a government, establish justice, ensure domestic tranquility, provide for the common defence and general welfare. The constitutional convention of 1875 was the result of the determination of the democrats of texas to eliminate the radical constitution of 1869. The texas state constitution on the other hand would is the longest constitution with the most amendments out of all 52 states, mainly because the people, who are in the position to change these constitutions, usually change it to favor, their social groups. Seth shepard mckay, making the texas constitution of 1876 philadelphia.

Text of the constitutions and foundational documents of the state of texas, with original document scans. Those which are legislative to one, those which are executive to another, and those which are judicial to another. The permanent university fund was established by the 1876 constitution of the state of texas. Roots of the texas constitution from 1827 to 1876, seven constitutions were drafted and ratified in texas. History each texas state constitution has been preceded by a brief preamble. The 1876 texas constitution, the fifth since statehood, had 289 sections organized into 17 articles. Over the years, 211 new sections have been added, while 66 of the original sections and 49 of the added sections have been removed, so that the texas constitution today has 385 sections. The texas constitution preamble humbly invoking the. Weaknesses and criticisms of the constitution of 1876 l. Because it was enacted mainly as a reaction to the real and perceived misuse of powers by the radical republican government, the original document placed tight restrictions on the powers of the government.

Article section topic action election date joint resolution number legislature prop result percentage comments. Texas constitution texas legislative council texas. The texas constitution preamble humbly invoking the blessings of almighty god, the people of the state of texas, do ordain and establish this constitution. Federal constitution of the united mexican states 1824 english text. It discusses the constitutions context in american federalism and the role of elections, political parties, and interest groups in the state and gives much attention to the three branches of texas government created by the texas constitution of 1876. Texas constitution of 1876 flashcards and study sets quizlet. More so, the constitution of 1876 was greatly influenced by farmers and was underlined by its belief that a government could avoid surpluses by curtailing what it can do dye. Until 1876 the wording was essentially that of 1845 if we subtract the transitional clause in brackets below which refers to the admission of texas to the federal union. Does the texas constitution still reflect the origins of texas political culture. Texas is a free and independent state, subject only to the constitution of the united states. Quizlet flashcards, activities and games help you improve your grades. For the next nine years texas stood as an independent nation. Like other state constitutions, the texas constitution of 1876 was much more detailed than the u.

This is findlaws hosted version of the constitution of the state of texas 1876. Note on revised section headings when the texas constitution was adopted in 1876, the text did not include headings to the individual sections. Since that time, they have had four newer state constitutions, 1861, 1866, 1869 and 1876. Article 1 bill of rights that the general, great and essential principles of liberty and free government may be recognized and established, we declare. The preamble of the texas constitution of 1876 is a oneliner appealing for gods support to texans in establishing the constitution jamail center for legal research. Lrl home legislation constitutional amendments search. Constitution of the state of coahuila and texas 1827 spanish text. Texas is a free and independent state, subject only to the constitution of the united states, and. Their current constitution is based upon the 1876 constitution and had been. Texas constitution adopted at the end of reconstruction and amended 474 times since, this is the constitution under which texas currently functions. Texas is a free and independent state, subject only to the constitution of the.

A6 a54 1998, and in vernons annotated constitution of the state of texas, located at call number kft 1230 1925. The texas constitution today is still similar to the original 1876 document, despite more than 400 amendments. Federal constitution of the united mexican states 1824 spanish text. The constitution of the state of texas is the document that establishes the structure and. While still in force, the 1876 constitution has been amended hundreds of times. Council offers a table of constitutional amendments since 1876 pdf. The constitution of 1866 did not go far enough for the radical republicans in washington who were in charge of reconstruction in the south. It focuses on the texas constitution, its history, and how it functions in texas politics. The original version of this 1876 constitution is viewable online on the university of texas school of law tarlton law library website at. Constitution of 1876 the handbook of texas online texas. Part of the tarlton law libraryjamail center for legal researchs texas constitutions 18241876 digital collection. The current texas constitution of 1876 was the result of great debate and contention. Moreover, the constitution is a lengthy document, drawing a word count of over 100,000 dye. Feb 11, 2020 unlike the 1869 constitution, the 1876 constitution generally reflected public opinion in texas at its time of drafting.

The current texas constitution is the seventh constitution in texas history. Constitution of the state of texas 1876 tarlton law library. Constitution of 1876 remains the current charter for the state. More information on the constitution of the state of texas 1876 may be found at the texas constitutions 18241876 project of the tarlton law library, jamail center for legal research at the university of texas school of law, the university of texas at austin.

The compilation of amendments to the texas constitution is a work in progress and must be viewed as such. The texas constitution does not contain a necessary and proper clause like the u. The texas constitution today is still similar to the original 1876 document, despite more than. Amendments to the texas constitution since 1876 the portal. Title constitution of the state of texas, contributor names texas. A new constitution was ratified in september of 1836. Constitution of the state of texas, adopted 1876, archives and information services division, texas state library and archives commission. Original intent of the texas constitution texas public policy. In fact, there was more debate over the education issue than any other. Initially, its assets included onetenth of university of texas at austin lands bordering the railroads ut austin was granted 1 million acres 4,000 km 2 in west texas as compensation as well as 1 million acres 4,000 km 2 additional. The texas constitution preamble humbly invoking the blessings. Constitution of the republic of texas the handbook of. Nov 05, 2019 constitution of the state of texas 1876 const tx const art. Since 1876, 216 new sections have been added to the constitution, while 66 of the original sections and 51 of the added sections have been removed.

Constitution, therefore making it the second longest state constitution in america 2nd only to alabamas. The 1876 constitution created three branches of government, with separa. Constitution of the state of texas 1876 const tx const art. So, i have read the entire thing, and all though there are many good points to the annotated 1876 texas constitution, as of recent times, the texas government has butchered this wonderful document. Constitution or form of government of the state of texas 1833 declaration of the people of texas 1835 english text. Its original philosophy reflected the political culture and values of those who created it. Texas constitution 1876 texas still operates under the 1876 constitution today. Similarly, when new sections have been proposed by the legislature and approved by the voters since 1876, they have not, with rare exceptions, included section headings. Signature page back to the texas constitution of 1876 text at texas constitutions digitization project. Text of the 1869 constitution of the state of texas, with original document scans. Describe the evolution of texass previous constitutions and the historical. Constitution of the state of texas, library of congress. In 1875, when delegates gathered in austin at the constitutional convention, a group of white, southern.

Constitution of the state of coahuila and texas 1827 english text. The current texas constitution took effect on february 15, 1876. Davis, their first priority was to draft a new constitution for texas. Report summarizing amendments to the texas constitution from 1876 through the november 20 constitutional amendment election, prepared by the research division of the texas legislative council.

The web site for the legislative reference library lrl has a constitutional amendment search and the texas legislative council offers a table of constitutional amendments since 1876 pdf, arranged numerically by article and section. Oct 24, 2019 print versions of the texas constitution may be found in a compilation and analysis of the 1998 texas constitution and the original 1876 text, located in the library at call number kft1601 1876. Download 4page term paper on constitution of 1876 2020. Constitution of the state of texas, adopted by the constitutional convention, begun and held at the city of austin, on the sixth day of september, 1875. The first problem with the texas state constitution is the length of the document.