Republic of Texas 1836 - 1845

Republic of Texas Government Very similar to the U.S. Government Had a Constitution Three Branches of Government Used elections to vote for most government officials (Popular Sovereignty) Slavery Permitted Designed to limit the power of the government/Prevent it from expanding

How ROT was different from the U.S. President directly elected (No Electoral College) Presidents served 3 year terms but could not serve them twice in a row. Were allowed to run for office again after those 3 years

Republic of Texas Constitution Designed to make Texans live and work as they pleased under the law

Republic of Texas Presidents Sam Houston Mirabeau Lamar Anson Jones

Republic of Texas Problems Deeply in debt and economy was down Comanches and other Indian groups are raiding settlements Mistrust and problems with Mexico are still an issue

Sam Houston Served two terms as President Tried to solve ROT’s money problems Wanted peace with the Indians Did not want war with Mexico Did not want to build or maintain a navy (Expensive) Really wanted Texas to be part of U.S.

Mirabeau Lamar Opposite of Houston Wanted to remove Indians Wanted to expand Texas territory Sent soldiers to explore and capture Santa Fe, New Mexico to secure a trade route It failed and the soldiers were captured and imprisoned. Some were executed. Left ROT in bad financial shape

Mirabeau Lamar Lamar had plenty of problems with Native Americans The Council House Fight and the Cordova Rebellion are just two examples of conflicts during Lamar’s Presidency that involved Native Americans

Texas Rangers ROT could not afford to field a full army to deal with security issues Texas Rangers were formed to deal with security and police issues Not all Rangers were honest men

Mary Maverick Resident of San Antonio Kept a diary and journals about daily life in the Texas Republic Witnessed Council House Fight

Anson Jones Carried on many of Houston’s policies Oversaw annexation of Texas to the U.S.