Isabella Carter
The Texas Constitution of 1876 outlines the state's commitment to providing free schools for its residents. Article VII, titled Education—The Public Free Schools, emphasizes the importance of establishing and maintaining a system of free schools throughout Texas. This includes the allocation of funds, lands, and other resources for their support. The constitution also highlights the role of the Legislature in overseeing and managing the public school system, including the establishment of school districts and the appointment of a Superintendent of Public Instruction. The goal is to create an efficient and uniform system of education accessible to all, with provisions for both white and colored children. The Texas Constitution of 1869 and the earlier version from 1845 also lay the foundation for the state's commitment to public education, emphasizing the duty of the Legislature to support and maintain a system of Public Free Schools.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Constitution | Texas Constitution, 1874 |
| Article | VII: Education--The Public Free Schools |
| Section | 2 |
| Duty of Legislature | Establish a uniform system of Public Free Schools throughout the State |
| Support | Taxation on property |
| Fund | One-tenth of the annual revenue of the State |
| Fund Use | Support of free public schools |
| Fund Diversion | Not allowed |
| School Districts | Fund remains a charge against the State |
| Fund Distribution | To the several counties |
| Board of Education | Governor, comptroller and secretary of state |
| Duties | Distribution of funds to counties and other duties concerning public schools |
| Permanent School Fund | All land appropriated for public schools by this constitution or the other laws of this state, other properties belonging to the permanent school fund, and all revenue derived from the land or other properties |
| Available School Fund | Distributions from total return on all investment assets of the permanent school fund, taxes authorized by this constitution or general law, and appropriations made by the legislature |
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What You'll Learn
- The Texas Constitution (1876) states that the state must provide an efficient system of public free schools
- The legislature must establish and maintain a system of free schools
- A Superintendent of Public Instruction must supervise public free schools
- The state must set apart a portion of annual revenue for the support of free public schools
- The constitution outlines the creation of a Permanent University Fund
The Texas Constitution (1876) states that the state must provide an efficient system of public free schools
The Texas Constitution of 1876 states that the state must provide an efficient system of public free schools. This is outlined in Article VII, which focuses on education and the public free schools.
The Constitution outlines the responsibilities of the state in establishing and maintaining these schools. For example, it states that the legislature should set aside a portion of the state's annual revenue for the benefit of public free schools. This includes a poll tax of one dollar on all male inhabitants between 21 and 60 years of age. The Constitution also mentions the establishment of a Board of Education, which includes the governor, comptroller, and secretary of state. This board is responsible for distributing funds to counties and performing other duties related to public schools.
In addition to financial support, the Constitution also addresses the practical aspects of establishing these schools. It mentions the creation of a Superintendent of Public Instruction, who is responsible for supervising the public free schools and ensuring the establishment of a complete system of education adapted to the needs of the people of Texas. The Legislature is also given the power to lay out the state into school districts and provide for the formation of Board of School Directors in each district.
The Texas Constitution of 1876 also makes provisions for the establishment of a College or Branch University for the instruction of coloured youths, reflecting the historical context of the time. This college was to be located through a vote of the people, and no tax revenues or general funds were to be used for this purpose.
Overall, the Texas Constitution of 1876 provides a framework for the state to establish and maintain an efficient system of public free schools, with specific attention to funding, administration, and practical considerations.
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The legislature must establish and maintain a system of free schools
The Texas Constitution, in Article VII: Education--The Public Free Schools (1876), outlines the responsibilities of the Legislature regarding the establishment and maintenance of free schools.
Section 2 of this article states that all funds, lands, and other properties appropriated for the support of public schools shall constitute a perpetual public school fund. This includes one-half of the public domain of the State and proceeds from the sale of any portion of it.
Section 3 of the same article stipulates that no more than one-fourth of the State's general revenue and a poll tax of $1 on males aged 21-60 shall be set apart for the benefit of public free schools. The lands dedicated to the public-school fund are to be sold under specific regulations, and the Legislature has no power to grant relief to the purchasers.
The Legislature is tasked with establishing and maintaining a system of public free schools, as outlined in Section 1 of Article IX: Public Schools (1869). This system is to provide gratuitous instruction to all inhabitants of the State aged 6 to 18 years old.
The Superintendent of Public Instruction, elected by the people after the first term, oversees the Public Free Schools. They are responsible for supervising the schools, making recommendations to the Legislature, and providing reports on the condition of the free schools.
The Texas Constitution also addresses the establishment of separate schools for white and coloured children, with impartial provision for both (Article VII, Section 7, 1876). Additionally, it outlines the creation of the Agricultural and Mechanical College of Texas as a branch of the University of Texas for instruction in agriculture, mechanics, and natural sciences (Article VII, Section 14, 1876).
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A Superintendent of Public Instruction must supervise public free schools
The Texas Constitution of 1869 outlines the role of a Superintendent of Public Instruction in supervising public free schools.
The Superintendent of Public Instruction is responsible for overseeing the Public Free Schools in the state and carrying out any other duties related to public instruction as directed by the Legislature. The Legislature has the power to divide the state into school districts and establish a Board of School Directors in each district, delegating legislative powers regarding schools, schoolhouses, and school funds.
The Superintendent plays a crucial role in recommending provisions of law necessary for the establishment and improvement of a comprehensive education system that aligns with the needs and circumstances of Texas's population. They are required to submit a comprehensive report on the status of all free schools in the state to the Legislature during each of its sessions. This report includes details on the condition of the schools and the progress made.
Furthermore, the Superintendent must provide any information related to Public Schools when requested by either House of the Legislature.
The Texas Constitution also emphasizes the importance of establishing and maintaining a system of Public Free Schools. It mandates the Legislature to allocate funds for their support and maintenance, ensuring that at least one-tenth of the state's annual revenue from taxation is dedicated to this cause. This allocation ensures that all inhabitants of Texas between the ages of six and eighteen have access to gratuitous instruction.
The Constitution further stipulates that proceeds from the sale of lands and other properties appropriated for the establishment and maintenance of educational institutions, such as the University of Texas, shall constitute a Permanent University Fund. This fund is to be invested in lands or bonds, with the accrued interest used for the benefit of public schools.
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The state must set apart a portion of annual revenue for the support of free public schools
The Texas Constitution of 1845 states that the legislature must establish free schools throughout the state and provide the means for their support through taxation on property. It further mandates that at least one-tenth of the state's annual revenue from taxation be set aside as a perpetual fund for these free public schools. This fund is to be solely dedicated to supporting free education, and no law can divert it elsewhere.
The Texas Constitution of 1869 reiterates the responsibility of the legislature to support and maintain a system of Public Free Schools for the gratuitous instruction of inhabitants between the ages of six and eighteen. It establishes the role of a Superintendent of Public Instruction, who is tasked with supervising the Public Free Schools and ensuring the establishment of a uniform system of these schools across the state. The Constitution of 1869 also specifies that one-fourth of the state's annual revenue from general taxation be allocated for the benefit of Public Schools, contributing to a perpetual fund for educational purposes.
The Texas Constitution of 1876 further elaborates on the topic of Public Free Schools. It mentions the establishment of separate schools for white and colored children, ensuring impartial provision for both. Additionally, it outlines the role of a Board of Education, comprising the governor, comptroller, and secretary of state, who are responsible for distributing funds to counties and performing other duties related to public schools.
The Texas Constitution, across its various iterations, has consistently emphasized the importance of establishing and supporting free public schools. The allocation of a portion of annual state revenue for this purpose demonstrates a commitment to making education accessible to all.
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The constitution outlines the creation of a Permanent University Fund
The Texas Constitution, in Article VII, outlines the creation of a Permanent University Fund to support the University of Texas. This fund is established from various sources, including:
- Lands and properties set aside for the university's establishment and maintenance.
- Proceeds from the sales of the aforementioned lands and properties.
- Grants, donations, and appropriations made by the State of Texas or other sources, excluding donations designated for specific purposes.
The constitution further stipulates that these funds are to be invested in bonds of the United States, the State of Texas, its counties, municipalities, or cities. The interest generated from these investments is then appropriated by the Legislature to support the university. Additionally, the constitution addresses taxation on university lands, with counties receiving an annual remittance equal to the tax imposed for county purposes.
The Texas Constitution also emphasizes the importance of establishing and maintaining an efficient system of public free schools. It outlines the role of the Legislature in providing for the support and maintenance of these schools, including the appointment of a Superintendent of Public Instruction. The constitution further mentions the establishment of a College or Branch University for the instruction of coloured youths, ensuring inclusive education.
Furthermore, the constitution outlines the composition and management of the Permanent School Fund, which consists of lands appropriated for public schools, properties belonging to the fund, and revenue derived from these sources. The Available School Fund is also mentioned, comprising distributions from the Permanent School Fund's investment returns, taxes, and legislative appropriations.
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Frequently asked questions
The Texas Constitution of 1876 states that the legislature shall establish and provide for the maintenance of a system of public free schools. This system is to include separate schools for white and coloured children, with impartial provision for both.
The Constitution also states that the legislature should establish and maintain a college or branch university for the instruction of the coloured youths of the state.
The Constitution outlines that the state should set aside one-fourth of its general revenue and a poll tax of one dollar from all male inhabitants between 21 and 60 years of age for the benefit of public free schools.
