The Texas Constitution & 7 Principles of Democracy

Texas declared independence from Mexico in It created Constitution that was based on the U.S. Constitution and Bill of Rights. Constitution of 1876 Over time, Texas changed in many ways, making it necessary to write several new constitutions. Today, Texas operates under the Texas Constitution of 1876 which has been amended about 400 times. Texas became a state Texas became a Confederate state End of Reconstruction & Current Law Of The Land. End of Civil War & Rejected by U. S. Reconstruction Constitution Texas Constitutions Texas independence

TIMELINE 1820– Constitution of 1866 is adopted; it is rejected by U.S. Congress Reconstruction constitution is adopted 1827 Constitution of Coahuila y Tejas is ratified 1824 Constitution of 1824 governs Texas 1845 Constitution of 1845 is adopted; Texas is allowed to enter the Union 1876 Constitution of 1876 is adopted 1836 Constitution of the Republic of Texas is adopted 1861 Constitution of 1861 declares emancipation of slaves illegal

 U. S. Constitution was used as a model  Based on popular sovereignty – the ultimate power rested with the people.  Established to protect individual rights  Limited power of state government by reducing the governor’s term to 2 yrs.  Established a biennial legislative session  Required voters to approve amendments to the constitution  State must ask the permission of the voters to take on new activities 1876

The Texas Constitution Reflects 7 Principles Of Democracy Found In The U. S. Constitution

Principle #1 Popular Sovereignty A belief that the government is created and ruled by the people. A belief that the government is created and ruled by the people. The people are the source of all political power. The people are the source of all political power.

The Constitution restricts, or limits, government power. The Constitution restricts, or limits, government power. Protects Texans ’ individual rights. Protects Texans ’ individual rights. Limited Government Principle #2

Separation of Powers Principle #3 Powers are divided among different government branches to prevent any one branch from becoming too powerful.

BRANCHES OF STATE GOVERNMENT

Checks and Balances Each of the 3 branches of government have ways to check the other two. Each of the 3 branches of government have ways to check the other two. These checks help prevent one branch from controlling the government. These checks help prevent one branch from controlling the government. Principle #4

The Legislative Branch/Congress introduces a new bill … … The Executive Branch/President can either accept or veto the bill. With enough votes, Congress can override the President ’ s veto. If the Judicial Branch believes the bill is unfair, or unconstitutional then a lawsuit can be filed. Example of Checks & Balances Principle #4

Federalism Divides authority and functions between the federal/central government and state/regional government. Some powers are shared – such as collecting taxes. Principle #5

Individual Rights Outlines personal liberties and privileges that the government promises to protect in the BILL OF RIGHTSOutlines personal liberties and privileges that the government promises to protect in the BILL OF RIGHTS Principle #6

The Bill of Rights Texas Bill of Rights - civil liberties, or individual rights, that a government Outlines civil liberties, or individual rights, that a government promises to protect promises to protect Influenced by the U. S. Bill Of Rights = First 10 Amendments Influenced by the U. S. Bill Of Rights = First 10 Amendments Other RightsBasic Freedoms Legal Protections rights of property holders rights to bear arms no quartering of soldiers Powers of states/people – any powers not clearly given to the national government by the U. S. Constitution belong to sates freedoms of religion, speech, the press, assembly, & petition. rights of the accused – due process trial by jury, speedy - public trial Search/seizure is prohibited w/o probable cause Limits of fines/punishments- excessive bail/fines

Principles #7 Republicanism - Citizens exercise their power by electing representatives to speak for them in government