1. The Constitutional Setting
Chapter 2

2. US and Texas ConstitutionsTX
Powers for national government
National constitution more flexible
Presidency is strong
Court system simple
Constitution rarely amended
Reserved Powers for states
State constitutions less flexible
TX Governor is weak
Court system complex & confusing
Constitution frequently amended

3. Table 2-1 Constitutions of Texas

4. The Present Texas Constitution
Written in 1876
Influenced by the Grange
Rural vs urban approval
Curbs governmental power

5. Texas Constitution Today
The Texas Constitution is poorly organized, difficult to read and interpret, and the second longest constitution in the nation.
1876 Constitution is a reactionary document
Low salaries may discourage independent, high-caliber leaders
Restrictions may impede government from meeting needs of citizens
Governmental institutions became inefficient and ineffective
Copyright © 2009 Cengage Learning 5

6. Table 2-2 Articles of the Texas Constitution

8. Table 2-3 Comparison of State Provisions for Amending the Constitution

9. Table 2-4 Texas Constitutional Amendments, 1879*–2011

10. Constitutional Revision
Average state constitution has been amended 143 times
Only Alabama, California, and South Carolina have more amendments than Texas

11. The Texas Secretary of State’s office posted this sample ballot on his web site prior to the May 12, 2007, constitutional amendment election. This site, is always a source of the latest proposed amendments. (p. 56)

12. Areas Needing Change Biennial legislative session Judicial system
Plural executive branch
County government
Level of detail

13. Should Texas Convene a Constitutional Convention?
Pro
con
Yes. The current state constitution is too specific and antiquated, has conflicts with the national Constitution, protects special interests, reflects agrarian interests, needs frequent interpretation, and organizes government poorly.
No. Newness is not necessarily quality, partisanship could be increased, “fixing something that ain’t broke,” counties are inefficient and don’t need new authority, it might give government too much power, process will be expensive, and change might remove protections against arbitrary governmental action.