TX Lecture 3

Summary

This lecture delves into the Texas Constitution, focusing on its history, the 1875 constitutional convention, and the 1876 Constitution's key provisions. It outlines the structure and functions of Texas' three branches of government, highlighting similarities with the U.S. Constitution, such as popular sovereignty, separation of powers, and checks and balances. The lecture also discusses the unique features of the Texas Constitution, including its plural executive system, dual Supreme Court system, and the amendment process, emphasizing the importance of civic participation in constitutional amendments.

Takeaways

• 📜 The Texas Constitution is a document that outlines the structure, powers, and limitations of the Texas government, similar to the U.S. Constitution.
• 🏛️ The Constitution of 1876 is the current and effective constitution of Texas, established after the Reconstruction era and reflecting principles of limited government and agrarian interests.
• 🌿 Texas, like the U.S., embodies the principles of popular sovereignty, separation of powers, and checks and balances within its constitutional framework.
• 📊 The Texas Constitution started with 17 articles and has since expanded to include over 500 amendments, reflecting changes and adaptations over time.
• 🏫 The Bill of Rights in Texas is contained within Article 1 of the Texas Constitution, mirroring the first ten amendments of the U.S. Constitution.
• 🏛️📚 The structure of the Texas government is bicameral, with a House of Representatives and a Senate, differing in terms and qualifications for members.
• 👥 The executive branch in Texas is characterized by a plural executive, with powers distributed among various offices such as the governor, lieutenant governor, and other state officials.
• 👩‍⚖️ Texas has a unique dual Supreme Court system, with one court handling civil cases and another criminal cases, a feature it shares with Oklahoma.
• 💼 The legislative power to tax in Texas is subject to voter approval, especially regarding income tax, which must be used for education and tax relief if implemented.
• ⚖️ Impeachment and removal processes in Texas are similar to those at the federal level, with the House responsible for impeachment and the Senate for removal, but with some procedural differences.
• 📝 Amending the Texas Constitution is a four-step process involving proposal by the legislature, passage by two-thirds majority, publication, and ratification by a majority of voters.

Q & A

What is the primary purpose of a constitution?

A constitution is the document that contains the legal structure of government, establishing the structure, powers, and authority of the government, and imposing limits on the powers of the government.

How does the United States Constitution define the structure of government?

The United States Constitution defines the structure of government as consisting of three separate branches: the legislative, the executive, and the judicial.

What are the key principles reflected in both the United States Constitution and the Texas Constitution?

Both constitutions reflect the principles of popular sovereignty, separation of powers, and checks and balances.

How many constitutions did Texas have before the current one in 1876?

Before the current constitution of 1876, Texas had experimented with six different constitutions.

What is unique about the Texas Constitution's Bill of Rights compared to the United States Constitution?

The Bill of Rights in the Texas Constitution is contained within Article 1, and it overlaps significantly with the Bill of Rights in the United States Constitution.

What is the structure of the Texas Legislature?

The Texas Legislature is bicameral, consisting of the Texas House of Representatives with 150 members and the Senate with 31 members.

How often does Texas hold regular legislative sessions?

Texas holds regular legislative sessions biennially, in odd-numbered years.

What is the term of office for members of the Texas House of Representatives?

Members of the Texas House of Representatives serve two-year terms.

What is the term of office for members of the Texas Senate?

Members of the Texas Senate serve four-year staggered terms.

How does the Texas Constitution address the issue of income tax?

The Texas Constitution does not allow for an income tax unless approved by registered voters through an amendment, and any revenue generated from an income tax must be allocated to education and tax relief.

What is the process for amending the Texas Constitution?

The process for amending the Texas Constitution involves proposing the amendment by the state legislature, passing it by a two-thirds majority in both chambers, publishing the proposal, and then having a majority of voters ratify it in an election.