Author:
Kris Seago
Subject:
Political Science
Material Type:
Module
Level:
Community College / Lower Division
Tags:
  • Constitution
  • Texas
  • License:
    Creative Commons Attribution Share Alike
    Language:
    English
    Media Formats:
    Graphics/Photos, Text/HTML

    Introduction: The Constitutions of Texas

    Introduction: The Constitutions of Texas

    Overview

    Introduction

    Introduction

    Introduction

    A constitution is a body of fundamental principles or established precedents according to which a state or other organization is acknowledged to be governed.

    What distinguishes Texas from other states is its unique history as an entity—a state, a republic, a nation—and the documents that created Texas as we know it today.

    Between the years of 1824 and 1876, Texas was at times a part of the United States of Mexico, an independent republic, a state within the Confederate States of America, and a state within the United States of America. Beginning in 1824, what we now know as Texas passed through many iterations—each with its own foundational documents. These founding documents legally established the entity of Texas, set forth the rights and responsibilities of its people, and defined the scope and powers of its government.

    This chapter discusses those constitutions and introduces the Constitution of 1876–Texas’ current constitution.

    Learning Objectives

    By the end of this section, students will be able to:

    • Define a constitution
    • Discuss the various constitutions of Texas
    • Describe the current constitution of Texas

    By the end of this section, you will be able to:

    • Define a constitution
    • Discuss the various constitutions of Texas
    • Describe the current constitution of Texas