Statehood For Texas Chapter 12.1

Constitutional Convention of 1845 Delegates met in Austin on July 4, 1845 to create a State Constitution. They were influenced by the constitutions of other states, especially Louisiana.

Jose Antonio Navarro Jose Antonio Navarro was the only Texas-born delegate who helped write Texas’ State Constitution. In 1846, Navarro county was named for him.

Slaves & Women Texas’ State Constitution allowed settlers from other states to keep bringing slaves to Texas. It also protected the right of women to own land.

State Government The Constitution of 1845 outlined 3 branches of government: 1.Executive branch 2.Legislative branch 3.Judicial branch

Executive Branch The part of government that carries out the laws. The executive offices of Governor & Lieutenant Governor replaced the Republic’s president & vice-president.

Legislative Branch The part of government that makes the laws. The Constitution created a House of Representatives & a Senate. House members would serve 2-year terms & Senators 4- year terms.

Judicial Branch The part of government that interprets the laws & applies them in court. The Texas Supreme Court became the highest court in the state. Judges are elected by Texas citizens.

Election of 1845 An election was held on December 15, 1845 to decide on the first state officeholders. James P. Henderson became Texas’ 1 st Governor.

1 st U.S. Senators Sam Houston & Thomas J. Rusk were selected by Texas’ legislature as the states’ first 2 U.S. Senators. Houston served in the Senate until 1859.