1. Texas Road to Independence
The Convention of 1836

2. The Convention Declares Independence
The Convention of 1836 began on March 1, with 59 delegates meeting in Washington on the Brazos.
Most delegates were white males from America. Only 2 members were native Texans (Lorenzo de Zavala had been born in Mexico).
The convention voted to write a declaration of independence.
The declaration was written by George C. Childress, from Tennessee.

3. The Convention Declares Independence
The Texas Declaration listed grievances against Santa Anna:
The government of Santa Anna had violated the liberties guaranteed under the Mexican Constitution of 1824.
Charged that Texans had been deprived of freedom of religion.
The right to trial by jury.
Right to bear arms.
Right to petition, or formal request, from the government.
Mexico had failed to provide a system of public education.
The Declaration was approved and signed on March 2, 1836.

4. The Delegates Write a Constitution
After declaring independence, Texas now needed a constitution (written plan of government) for the new republic.
Sections of the Texas Constitution were copied from the United States Constitution.
Texas made 3 branches of government:
Executive – carry out laws (president and
vice president) *3 year terms
Legislative – makes laws (congress)
Judicial – interprets laws (court system)

5. The Delegates Write a Constitution
The Texas Constitution contained a Bill of Rights, guaranteeing:
Freedom of speech
Freedom of the press
Freedom of religion
Trial by jury
Voting age -21 years (U.S. – 18 years)
The Texas Constitution made slavery legal.
Free African Americans were not permitted to live in the Republic of Texas without congressional permission.

6. A New Government
Unable to hold elections until a later date, the convention set up a temporary government.
David G. Burnett was chosen as the temporary president of Texas and Lorenzo de Zavala as vice-president.
In September 1836, Texans voted for the republic’s new constitution.
On October 22, 1836, Sam Houston was chosen as the first president of the Republic of Texas.