Simone Lawson
Texas has had a total of nine different constitutions throughout its history, with the current constitution adopted in 1875 and ratified in 1876. The large number of constitutions is due to Texas's unique history as an entity, having been a part of the United States of Mexico, an independent republic, a state within the Confederate States of America, and a state within the United States of America.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of Constitutions | 9 |
| First Constitution | 1827 |
| Current Constitution | Adopted in 1875, ratified in 1876 |
| Number of Amendments | 653 proposed, 474 approved |
| Number of Words | 63,000+ |
| Amendments Process | Via the Legislature, subject to voter approval |
| Notification of Amendments | Published in officially approved newspapers, posted at county courthouses |
| Bill Effective Date | Immediate with Governor's signature if passed by 2/3 majority in both chambers |
| Income Tax | Banned since 2019 |
| Counties | 254 |
| Railroads | Considered "public highways" |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Texas has had nine constitutions
The first constitution was adopted in 1827 when Texas and Coahuila were combined to form the state of Coahuila y Tejas, which was part of Mexico. The second constitution was adopted in 1836 following the Texas Revolution, when Texas declared independence and established the Republic of Texas. Texas joined the United States as the 28th state in 1845, leading to its third constitution. A fourth constitution was adopted in 1861 with the secession of Texas from the Union during the Civil War.
The fifth constitution was adopted in 1866 at the end of the Civil War. Texas constitutional conventions took place in 1861, 1866, 1868–69, and 1875. The sixth constitution was framed by the Constitutional Convention of 1875 and adopted on February 15, 1876, by a vote of 136,606 to 56,652. It remains the basic organic law of Texas.
The current constitution has been amended many times since it was first adopted, retaining many original elements. In 1975, the Legislature proposed eight amendments to the existing constitution, all of which were rejected by voters except in Duval and Webb counties. In 1979, the Legislature placed four amendments on the ballot, three of which were approved by voters. Since 1876, the legislature has proposed 656 constitutional amendments, and 474 of those that made it to the ballot have been approved by voters.
The Constitution and Privacy: What's the Connection?
You may want to see also
The current constitution was ratified in 1876
Texas has had a total of nine different constitutions throughout its history, with the current constitution, also known as the Texas Constitution of 1876, being ratified in 1876 and adopted in 1875. It is the sixth constitution by which Texas has been governed since it achieved independence from Mexico in 1836. The constitution was framed by the Constitutional Convention of 1875 and was adopted on February 15, 1876, by a vote of 136,606 to 56,652. It remains the basic organic law of Texas.
The Texas Constitution of 1876 is a reflection of the political circumstances of its time. It contains provisions that are uniquely Texan, many of which are products of the state's unusual history. For example, some provisions can be traced back to Spanish and Mexican influence, including sections dealing with land titles, land law, debtor relief, judicial procedures, marital relations and adoption, and water and other mineral rights. Other atypical provisions can be attributed to the twin influences of Jacksonian agrarianism and frontier radicalism, both of which were prevalent when Texas first became a state.
The Constitution of 1876 began with a lengthy bill of rights. It declared that Texas was a free and independent state, subject only to the Constitution of the United States, that all free men have equal rights, and that the writ of habeas corpus could not be suspended or unduly delayed. The document also abolished the office of the state superintendent, founded a board of education composed of the governor, comptroller, and secretary of state, eliminated compulsory attendance, provided for segregated schools, and made no provision for local school taxes. Additionally, it authorised the legislature to levy a poll tax of one dollar on all male inhabitants between the ages of twenty-one and sixty.
Since its ratification in 1876, the Texas Constitution has undergone numerous amendments. By 1980, voters had approved 235 proposals, and as of 2022, 474 amendments had been approved by Texas voters. The constitution's more than 63,000 words make it one of the most verbose state constitutions in the United States. Its wealth of detail gives it the appearance of a code of laws rather than a constitution, and its many requirements and limitations on state and local governments make it one of the most restrictive. Despite the amendments, the current constitution has retained many of the characteristics and principles from the original 1876 version.
Jefferson's Pre-Office Constitution Viewpoint
You may want to see also
Texas has had a unique history
The first Texas constitution was adopted in 1827 when Texas and Coahuila were combined to form the state of Coahuila y Tejas, which was part of Mexico. In 1836, Texas declared independence and adopted its second constitution, establishing the Republic of Texas. Texas joined the United States as the 28th state in 1845, leading to its third constitution. With the secession of Texas from the Union during the Civil War, a fourth constitution was adopted in 1861. At the end of the war in 1866, a fifth constitution was created, followed by a sixth in 1869.
The current constitution has been amended many times since it was first adopted, retaining many original elements. It contains provisions that are uniquely Texan, influenced by the state's history, including Spanish and Mexican influences, Jacksonian agrarianism, and frontier radicalism. The constitution has been described as verbose and restrictive, resembling a code of laws with many requirements and limitations on state and local governments.
The Texas Constitution has a detailed process for amendments, which can only be made via the Legislature and are subject to voter approval. Since 1876, there have been 656 proposed amendments, with 474 approved by voters. The constitution also includes a wide range of provisions, such as rules for creating counties, determining the location of county seats, and provisions for county-wide hospital districts.
Exploring the Demographics of the House: White Members
You may want to see also
Explore related products
$63.94
The constitution has been amended many times
Texas has had a total of nine different constitutions throughout its history, with the current constitution adopted in 1875 and ratified in 1876. The current constitution has been amended many times since it was first adopted, retaining many original elements.
The Constitution of 1876 is the sixth constitution by which Texas has been governed since it gained independence from Mexico in 1836. It was framed by the Constitutional Convention of 1875 and adopted on February 15, 1876, by a vote of 136,606 to 56,652, and it remains the basic organic law of Texas. The constitution contains some provisions that are uniquely Texan, many of which are products of the state's unusual history. For example, some sections deal with land titles and land law, debtor relief, judicial procedures, marital relations and adoption, and water and other mineral rights.
The Constitution of 1876 began with a lengthy bill of rights. It declared that Texas was a free and independent state, subject only to the Constitution of the United States, that all free men have equal rights, and that the writ of habeas corpus could not be suspended or unduly delayed. To support the system, the article authorised the legislature to levy a poll tax of one dollar on all male inhabitants between the ages of 21 and 60. It also set aside as a perpetual fund all proceeds from lands previously granted to schools, including all the alternate sections of land already reserved for the state or afterwards reserved out of grants to railroads or other corporations.
Since 1876, the Legislature has proposed 656 constitutional amendments, and 653 have gone before Texas voters. Of the amendments on the ballot, 474 have been approved by the electorate and 179 have been defeated.
Mayflower Compact: Constitution's Founding Principles
You may want to see also
The constitution is verbose and restrictive
Texas has had a total of nine different constitutions throughout its history, with the current constitution—the second-longest state constitution in the United States—being adopted in 1875 and ratified in 1876. The constitution's more than 63,000 words make it verbose and restrictive.
The Texas Constitution of 1876 is detailed and resembles a code of laws rather than a constitution. It is restrictive because of its many requirements and limitations on both state and local governments. Some sections are so poorly drafted that they need clarification, and others have been deemed beyond interpretation by the Texas Supreme Court.
The constitution's verbosity is further evident in its lengthy bill of rights, which includes a declaration that Texas is a free and independent state, subject only to the Constitution of the United States, and that all free men have equal rights. The constitution also contains provisions that are uniquely Texan, reflecting the state's unusual history and influences. For example, sections deal with land titles, land law, debtor relief, judicial procedures, marital relations and adoption, and water and other mineral rights.
The constitution's restrictiveness is seen in its requirements for amending the document. Article 17 prescribes that the only method of amending the Constitution is via the Legislature, subject to voter approval. This process does not allow for amendment by initiative, referendum, constitutional convention, or any other means. Additionally, the constitution restricts the ability of the Legislature to incur debt, limiting it to specific purposes stated in the Constitution. Any debt for a purpose not mentioned in the Constitution requires numerous amendments that must be voted on by the people.
The Texas Constitution's verbosity and restrictiveness have led to a constant stream of proposed amendments over the years. Since 1876, the Legislature has proposed 656 constitutional amendments, with 474 approved by voters and 179 defeated.
Moral Dilemma: Her Ethical Decision
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Texas has had nine different constitutions throughout its history.
The first Texas constitution was adopted in 1827, when Texas and Coahuila were combined to form the state of Coahuila y Tejas.
The current Texas constitution was adopted in 1875 and ratified in 1876.
Since 1876, 656 constitutional amendments have been proposed, 653 of which have been put to a vote.
