1. VS

2. Differences in Constitutions
Texas Constitution:
Bill of Rights are listed on the first page
Bill of Rights arranged in different order
31 rights contained in Bill of Rights
Constitution amended more than 400 times
US Constitution:
Bill of Rights added as Amendments
Bill of Rights = first 10 amendments
Constitution amended 26 times

3. DIFFEREINCES U.S. Constitution VS. Texas Constitution
U.S. Constitution has not been rewritten
has strong separation of powers & strong executive (Legislative, Executive, Judicial)
U.S Constitution is short - 7,400 words, with only 27 Amendments
state constitutions have been rewritten several times
have weak separation of powers because of a division of executive (governor’s) power among several other elected officials.
TX. Constitution is very wordy - 80,000 words long, over 400 Amendments
DIFFEREINCES

4. DIFFEREINCES U.S. Constitution VS. Texas Constitution
May change through two methods:
1. Constitutional amendment
2. Judicial interpretation through the Supreme Court
Highest law of the land
May change through one method:
Constitutional amendment
May not make laws that go against the U.S. Constitution
DIFFEREINCES

5. SIMILARITIES U.S. Constitution VS. Texas Constitution
Bicameral Legislative branch (two house congress)
Vote for/elect representatives
Limit the power of government
Three branches of government
Legislative branch makes the laws
Judicial branch contains a Supreme Court
The highest elected leader is in the Executive branch.
Individual rights protected in a Bill of Rights
At one time, slavery was legal under both constitutions

6. Comparing Texas and US Constitutions
Complete the Venn Diagram titled “Comparing the Texas and US Constitutions”
Pre-AP Answer these questions: How to protect the people from too much federal government control?
The Bill of Rights grants Texans rights of free speech and press meaning….freedom to express opinions verbally or in writing
Why is this important?
Exercise is timed so GET TO WORK QUICKLY!