Texas Constitution Celebrate freedom

Basic Principles of government The Texas Constitution is the basis of the state’s government It was approved in 1876 It is the 6th State constitution It is modeled after the u.s. constitution

Basic principles of government Texas is subject to the laws of the U.S. The u.s does grant certain authority to the state This is called federalism (division of authority between 2 governments)

7 principles of government These principles are found in both the U.S. and Texas Constitution Look at your handout!!!

Texas bill of rights To protect Texans’ rights the Texas constitution contains a bill of rights Modeled after u.s. constitution Freedom of press, speech, religion, trial by jury, rights of accused

amendments Texas constitution has been amended 470 times U.s. constitution has been amended 27 times Texans must vote (majority) to pass an amendment after it passes through state legislature U.s. constitutional amendments are passed by state legislatures after passing through congress. ¾ of states must approve.

Texas government 3 branches Legislative Executive judicial

Legislature 2 branches House of representatives 150 members that serve 2 year terms, must be 21 and citizen for 2 years Senate 31 members serve 4 year terms , must be 26 and texas citizen for 5 years Main job of legislature is to make laws. Taxes, traffic laws and qualifications for teachers

executive Governor is head of the executive branch. 48th governor, Greg abbott (R) Enforces laws Manages and conducts daily business of the state Elected every 4 years, no limit on terms, must be 30 years old , u.s citizen and lived in texas 5 years The governor of texas is considered weak because of his constitutional restrictions

judicial