Malcolm Rivera
Texas has had seven constitutions throughout its history, with the current one being ratified in 1876. This constitution has been amended numerous times, with sources stating the number of amendments to be anywhere between 500 and 530. The Texas Constitution can be amended with a legislatively referred constitutional amendment, which requires voter approval. The last time Texas amended its state constitution was on November 7, 2023, when voters approved 13 out of 14 amendments on the ballot.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Date of the last amendment | November 7, 2023 |
| Number of amendments proposed | 714 |
| Number of amendments adopted | 530 |
| Number of amendments defeated | 181 |
| Number of amendments that didn't make it to the ballot | 3 |
| Number of times the 1876 Constitution has been amended | 500+ |
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What You'll Learn
The current Texas Constitution was ratified in 1876
The current Texas Constitution, ratified in 1876, is the seventh in the state's history. It was adopted on February 15, 1876, and has been amended hundreds of times since. In fact, it is one of the most amended state constitutions in the US. The Texas Constitution is also the second-longest in the country, after Alabama's.
The 1876 Constitution was drafted amid widespread discontent with the centralised authority and perceived excesses of the Reconstruction-era government. The constitutional convention was dominated by Democrats, many of whom were former Confederates seeking to restore local control and reduce government spending. The resulting document imposed numerous limitations on state authority, fragmented executive power, and restricted the legislature's ability to act outside narrow boundaries.
The Constitution reflects a deep-rooted mistrust of government power. It is also a response to the requirements of federal authorities, who demanded that seceded states create new governing documents before rejoining the Union after the Civil War. Texas had adopted a new constitution in 1866 as a condition of rejoining the Union, but further changes were required due to dissatisfaction from Congress over the state's Reconstruction policies. Delegates met again in 1868-69 and 1875, and it was the latter convention that produced the 1876 Constitution.
The Texas Constitution has been amended 528 times as of 2023. Voters last approved amendments on November 7, 2023, when they approved 13 of the 14 amendments on the ballot.
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It has been amended 528 times
The Texas Constitution, which was ratified in 1876, has been amended 528 times as of November 7, 2023, when voters approved 13 of the 14 amendments on the ballot. This makes it one of the most amended state constitutions in the US.
The Texas Constitution is the second-longest state constitution in the country, only exceeded by Alabama's, which was recompiled in 2022. The Texas Constitution has 17 articles, and the first, the "Bill of Rights", has been added to since its inception, now consisting of 34 sections. Article 8, "Taxation and Revenue", places restrictions on the ability of the Legislature and local governments to impose taxes, including local and statewide property taxes. It also restricts the Texas State Legislature from imposing a personal income tax. Article 9, "Counties", provides rules for the creation of counties and determining the location of county seats.
The Texas Constitution has a long history of amendments, with the state's first constitution dating back to 1845, when Texas became the 28th state. This was replaced by a new constitution in 1861, when Texas seceded from the Union to join the Confederate States. After the Civil War, Texas adopted another new constitution in 1866 as a condition of rejoining the Union. This constitution was amended further in 1868-1869, and in 1875, a constitutional convention drafted yet another new constitution, which was ratified in 1876 and remains the foundation of Texas government today.
The Texas Constitution can be amended with a legislatively referred constitutional amendment, which requires voter approval. As of 2024, the Texas Legislature has proposed 714 amendments, of which 530 have been adopted, 181 defeated by voters, and three never made it to the ballot.
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Amendments require voter approval
The Texas Constitution, which was ratified in 1876, is the second-longest state constitution in the United States and has been amended hundreds of times. The most recent amendments were approved by voters on November 7, 2023, when 13 out of 14 amendments on the ballot were approved.
Amending the Texas Constitution requires voter approval. The state legislature can propose amendments through a legislatively referred constitutional amendment, but it is ultimately up to the voters to decide whether to approve or reject these amendments. This process reflects the principle of direct democracy, where citizens have a direct say in shaping the constitution and the laws that govern them.
The Texas Constitution has a long history of amendments and revisions. The current constitution is the seventh in the state's history, with previous versions adopted in 1827, 1836, 1845, 1861, 1866, and 1869. The 1866 Constitution was adopted after the Civil War as a condition for Texas to
The current Texas Constitution, ratified in 1876, was drafted during a time of widespread discontent with the centralized authority and spending of the Reconstruction-era government. This version of the constitution imposed limitations on state authority and restricted the legislature's power, reflecting a deep mistrust of government power. Since its adoption, it has been amended over 500 times, addressing a range of issues and adapting to the evolving needs of the state.
The amendment process in Texas allows for direct participation of citizens in shaping their constitution. By requiring voter approval, the state ensures that any changes to the fundamental framework of governance are made with the consent of the governed. This process underscores the importance of democratic engagement and the active role of citizens in their state's legislative affairs.
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Texas is the third-most amended state constitution
Texas has had seven constitutions throughout its history. The current constitution, adopted on February 15, 1876, is the third-most amended state constitution in the US, with over 500 amendments since its ratification. Only Alabama and California have amended their constitutions more frequently.
The Texas Constitution is lengthy and highly restrictive, stipulating that the state only has the powers explicitly granted to it. This design has led to the need for frequent amendments to address emerging state needs. From 1876 to 2024, the Texas Legislature proposed 714 constitutional amendments, of which 530 were approved by voters.
The process of amending the Texas Constitution involves proposing a legislatively referred constitutional amendment, which then requires voter approval. On November 7, 2023, Texans approved 13 out of 14 amendments on the ballot.
The Texas Constitution's bill of rights, or Article 1, has been expanded over time and currently consists of 34 sections. It includes provisions not found in the federal Constitution, such as specific limitations on the power of the state government and the protection of certain rights granted to citizens.
The unwieldiness of the Texas Constitution has led to attempts to draft a new constitution or significantly revise the existing one. The most successful attempt occurred in 1969 when 56 obsolete provisions were repealed. In 1971, an amendment was passed to allow the Legislature to meet in 1974 for 90 days to draft a new constitution, but this effort did not result in a new governing document.
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Article 8 concerns taxation and revenue
Texas has had seven constitutions in its history, with the current one being the constitution of 1876. This constitution has been amended over 500 times, with voters last approving amendments on November 7, 2023.
Article 8 of the Texas Constitution is labelled "Taxation and Revenue". It places restrictions on the ability of the Legislature and local governments to impose taxes. Most of these restrictions concern local property taxes and, in some cases, prohibit statewide property taxes. Texas does not have a personal income tax, and Section 24, added by an amendment adopted in 1993, restricts the ability of the Texas State Legislature to impose such a tax.
Article 8 also discusses the creation and maintenance of the Permanent University Fund (Sections 11, 11a, and 11b) and mandates the establishment of "a University of the first class" (Section 10), which became The University of Texas. It also establishes Prairie View A&M University in Section 14.
Article 8 contains various provisions regarding taxation and revenue. For example, Section 17 specifies that the objects and subjects of taxation should not deprive the legislature of the power to require other subjects or objects to be taxed, as long as it is consistent with the principles of taxation fixed in the Constitution. Section 18 addresses the equalization of property valuations for taxation purposes, with the County Commissioners' Court constituting a board of equalization.
Additionally, Article 8 includes provisions regarding appropriations, such as Section 10, which prohibits the Legislature from releasing inhabitants or property in any county, city, or town from paying taxes levied for state or county purposes, except in cases of great public calamity. Section 11 states that all property, whether owned by persons or corporations, shall be assessed for taxation, and the taxes paid in the county where the property is situated.
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Frequently asked questions
The Texas Constitution was last amended on November 7, 2023, when voters approved 13 of the 14 amendments on the ballot.
The Texas Constitution has been amended 528 times since 1876, making it one of the most amended state constitutions in the US.
As of 2024, the Texas Legislature has proposed a total of 714 amendments, 530 of which have been adopted.
Since 2000, Texas has amended its constitution at least 14 times, with amendments in 2001, 2003, 2005, 2007, 2009, 2011, 2013, 2015, 2017, 2019, 2021, and 2023.
The Texas Constitution can be amended with a legislatively referred constitutional amendment, which requires voter approval.
