Ch 20 – Texas Constitution Matrix KEY
Read Chapter 20 Section 1 on pp 482-484. Use the information on pp 485-486 (Constitutions of Texas) to complete this worksheet. Draw the
appropriate flag in the last column (flags will be shown on the screen or wall).
Constitution Name
In what language
is the
Constitution?
SPANISH
Why was this
Constitution
written?
Promised rights of
liberty, property,
and equality
(did not allow
slavery)
Constitution of 1836
(Republic of Texas)
New republic
required a new
constitution
Protected land and
property
Had Bill of Rights
Provided framework
for government of
new republic
Constitution of 1845
(State of Texas)
New state in the
Union (US) required
a new state
constitution
Constitution put
limits on the power
of the legislature
Provided framework
for state
government
Constitution of 1861
(part of
Confederacy)
ENGLISH
ENGLISH
Constitution of 1845
(State of Texas)
What was this
Constitution
replaced by?
Each state required
to have state
constitution
Constitution of 1827
(Coahuila y Tejas)
Constitution of 1836
(Republic of Texas)
Why is this
Constitution
important?
What are the main functions of a constitution?
Why is it important to divide the functions of government among branches?
Draw the flag for Texas during
each Constitution
Constitution Name
Constitution of 1861
Constitution of 1866
Constitution of 1869
Constitution of 1876
In what language
is the
Constitution?
ENGLISH
ENGLISH
Why was this
Constitution
written?
Why is this
Constitution
important?
What was this
Constitution
replaced by?
Texas seceded from
the Union (US) and
needed constitution
for Confederacy
State officials swear
loyalty to
Confederacy
Texas rejoins Union
(US)
Required to follow
policies of President
Johnson
Protected slavery
more strongly – did
not allow slave
trade though
Constitution of 1866
(part of US again)
Outlined changes in
structure of state
government
Outlined internal
improvements and
public education
Constitution of 1869
Pressured by
Congress under
Reconstruction
Forbade slavery
All people equal
Poll Tax to fund
schools – public
education required
African Americans
become voters
Constitution we still
use today
Limited (reduced)
the power of state
government
Constitution of 1876
ENGLISH
ENGLISH
Texans were forced
to accept earlier
state constitution –
wanted to (reduce )
limit size and power
of state government
Still in use today
When was the last time that Texas legislators attempted to change or re-write the Constitution?
Why didn’t they succeed in changing it?
Draw the flag for Texas during
each Constitution