Texas Constitution
Texas joins the US
• 1870
• President Grant signed an act to readmit Texas
to Congressional representation
• Happened after Texas representatives agreed
to pass the 15th amendment
Constitution of 1876
• Still the current constitution Texas follows
• Includes several characteristics of the US
constitution
• Popular Sovereignty-reflects the will of the
people
• Separation of Power-the powers of the
government are divided into three different
departments
• Supreme Court-allows legislature to declare a
law unconstitutional
Constitution of 1876
• Includes a bill of rights
• Allows Texans to have:
– Freedom of religion
– Voting rights
• Allowed all men, regardless of race the right to
vote
– Rights as crime victims
• Notification of court proceedings
• Right to be present at court proceedings
• Right to restitution
• Right to information about the accused
Different levels of government
•
•
•
•
National
State
County
City
– Provide police and fire protection
– Provide emergency medical services
– Construct sewer and water lines
– Establish zoning rules for construction
Lawrence Sullivan Ross
• General in the
Confederate Army
• 19th Governor of
Texas
• President of Texas
A&M University
Assignment
• Copy and answer the following questions on a sheet of paper
1. Which principle of the Texas constitution reflects the will of
the people?
2. Which principle of the Texas constitution divides the
government into three departments?
3. Which freedom guarantees that no man shall be compelled
to attend a ministry against his consent?
4. How can the Supreme Court check the power of legislature?
5. Who was the 19th Governor of Texas?
6. How did the constitution of 1876 expand voting rights?
7. What level of government establishes zoning rules?
8. What right guarantees the right to information about the
accused?