1. Democracy and Constitutions Texas Constitutions p. 622 - 625

2. The Role of Constitutions Each Texas constitution has had four important purposes: Each Texas constitution has had four important purposes: They outlined parts of the government and described the duties of each They outlined parts of the government and described the duties of each Officials and governmental bodies were given various powers. Officials and governmental bodies were given various powers. Described the rights of the citizens. Described the rights of the citizens. Provided a method for making amendments, or changes. Provided a method for making amendments, or changes. Most constitutions emphasize that political power belongs to the people, known as popular sovereignty. Most constitutions emphasize that political power belongs to the people, known as popular sovereignty. Sometimes a bill of rights, specifically listing individual freedoms, is included. Sometimes a bill of rights, specifically listing individual freedoms, is included.

3. Federalism As a state within the United States, Texas is part of a federal system of government, which means that some powers belong to the federal government and others belong to state governments. As a state within the United States, Texas is part of a federal system of government, which means that some powers belong to the federal government and others belong to state governments. This sharing of powers is called federalism. This sharing of powers is called federalism. Powers given to the states are reserved powers. Powers given to the states are reserved powers. Example: states right to regulate commerce within its borders, provide for a state militia, establish the legal age for marriage without parental permission, and create public school systems. Example: states right to regulate commerce within its borders, provide for a state militia, establish the legal age for marriage without parental permission, and create public school systems. The Texas constitution and other laws address all powers that do not belong to the federal government. The Texas constitution and other laws address all powers that do not belong to the federal government.

4. Three Branches of Government The Texas Constitution of 1876 requires that the three branches of government be separate. The Texas Constitution of 1876 requires that the three branches of government be separate. This separation of powers prevents any branch form having too much power. This separation of powers prevents any branch form having too much power. These divisions are known as the: These divisions are known as the: Legislative Branch – makes laws Legislative Branch – makes laws Executive Branch – enforces laws Executive Branch – enforces laws Judicial Branch – interprets laws Judicial Branch – interprets laws

5. Legislative Branch Legislative power is vested in the Senate and House of Representatives. Legislative power is vested in the Senate and House of Representatives. They have the responsibility of approving the state’s budget. They have the responsibility of approving the state’s budget. The limit of the Senate is 31 members. The limit of the Senate is 31 members. The limit of the House of Representatives is 150 members. The limit of the House of Representatives is 150 members.

6. Judicial Branch The judiciary interprets the laws of the state and decides how the laws should be applied. The judiciary interprets the laws of the state and decides how the laws should be applied. They try people accused of crimes and may settle other disputes. They try people accused of crimes and may settle other disputes. It consists of several courts, including the supreme court and courts of appeals. It consists of several courts, including the supreme court and courts of appeals.

7. Checks and Balances The writers of the Texas constitution also believed it was important for each branch of government to act as a check on the powers of the other two. The writers of the Texas constitution also believed it was important for each branch of government to act as a check on the powers of the other two. For example, the legislature makes laws. The executive branch can check this power through the veto power. The legislature with two-thirds vote can pass a law over a veto. The Supreme Court can rule that laws are unconstitutional. For example, the legislature makes laws. The executive branch can check this power through the veto power. The legislature with two-thirds vote can pass a law over a veto. The Supreme Court can rule that laws are unconstitutional.

8. The Bill of Rights Protects Citizens The Texas Constitution begins with a Bill of Rights. The Texas Constitution begins with a Bill of Rights. The Bill of Rights protects individual freedoms. The Bill of Rights protects individual freedoms. It also lists special rights for crime victims. It also lists special rights for crime victims. These rights are essential for a free and democratic society that relies on free speech and open debate to create sound public policy. These rights are essential for a free and democratic society that relies on free speech and open debate to create sound public policy.

9. Amending the Constitution Amendments are formal additions to a constitution. Amendments are formal additions to a constitution. Adopting an amendment requires approval by two-thirds of both the House and Senate, followed by voter approval. Adopting an amendment requires approval by two-thirds of both the House and Senate, followed by voter approval. The governor cannot veto amendments to the Texas Constitution. The governor cannot veto amendments to the Texas Constitution.