Comparison of U.S. and Texas
Constitution
U.S.
Constitution
U.S. Constitution
has not been
rewritten
 has strong
separation of powers
& strong executive
(Legislative,
Executive, Judicial)
Similarities
Texas
Constitution
state constitutions have
been rewritten several
times
have weak separation of
powers because of plural
executive which is the
(division of executive
(governor’s) power among
several other elected
officials) Limits governor
power
U.S Constitution is
short, about 7,400
words, with only 27
Amendments
TX. Constitution is very
long because too much
policy is spelled out (TX. =
80,000 words long, over
400 Amendments
U.S.
Constitution
Constitution
change/grow
through 2 methods:
1. Numbered
amendment
2. Judicial
interpretation
Highest law of the
land
Written September
17, 1787 ratified and
became effective
March 4, 1789
Similarities
Texas
Constitution
 change/grow
through 1 methods:
1. Numbered
amendment
 May not make laws
that go against the
U.S. Constitution
 Written in 1876
(last), Texas has
had 6 constitutions,
 Limits governor
power
U.S.
Constitution
Similarities
Texas
Constitution
Bicameral
Plan of government
Makes a government legal
Clear duties of major officials
How voters select officials
Limit the power of government
Three branches of government
Bill of Rights
The group of white males
involved in the writing of the
Constitution is generally referred
to as the "framers".