The Texas Constitution provides that the legislature, by a two-thirds vote of all members of each house, may propose amendments revising the constitution and that proposed amendments must then be submitted for approval to the qualifi ed voters of the state. SECTION 1. Article XII: Private Corporations Journals of the convention; Debates of the convention; ARTICLE VIII. The Texas Constitution does not contain a “necessary and proper clause” like the U.S. Constitution, therefore making it the second longest state constitution in America (2nd only to Alabama’s). Article X of the Texas Constitution of 1876 covers railroad companies and the creation of the Railroad Commission of Texas.The federal government later created the Interstate Commerce Commission to regulate railroads, and eight of the nine sections (all but section 2) of Article X were repealed in 1969 as "deadwood".. The Legislative Reference Library has a constitutional amendment search and the Texas Legislative Council offers a table of constitutional amendments since 1876 [PDF]. Article XI: Municipal Corporations The current constitution is the seventh in Texas history. This is the official site for the Texas Legislative Council. 3. or association, or make any appropriation or association, or make any Constitution of the State of Texas, Adopted by the Constitutional shall when levied specify in the act of levying the purpose therefor, 1 - freedom and sovereignty of state sec. The Legislative power of this State shall be vested in a Senate and House of Representatives, which together shall be styled "The Legislature of the State of Texas." SEC. Article II: The Powers of Government satisfy any indebtedness heretofore legally made and undertaken; but all 10. calamitous overflows, and a very large proportion of the general revenue . as legal subdivisions of the State. SECTION. or intended for extinguishing fires, public grounds and all other . I. View Test Prep - Chapter 2 - The Texas Constitution.pdf from CS 2336 at University of Texas, Dallas. Taxation and Revenue. Download PDF; Navigation: Next. 9-25. They may Art. Article VI: Suffrage such taxes shall be assessed and collected separately from that levied, PREAMBLE. Download PDF; Navigation: Next. cognizable interest in the manner in which another State . The Constitution of the Republic of Texas (1836), the first Anglo-American constitution to govern Texas, was drafted by a convention of fifty-nine delegates who assembled at Washington-on-the-Brazos on March 1, 1836 (see CONVENTION OF 1836). And all license and occupation tax levied, and all fines, The current Texas Constitution was adopted in 1876, and since that time Texas voters have approved 474 amendments. 9-25. CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America. Article. The deci­ sion to add Texas to the Union was either directly or indirectly responsible for the acquisition of all of the territory of the United States south and west of the Louisiana Purchase. Texas Dep't of Mental Health & Mental Retardation, 746 S.W.2d 203, 205 (Tex. compatible software, © 2014 Tarlton Law Library LEGISLATIVE DEPARTMENT Sec.A1.AASENATE AND HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. year, one-fourth of one per cent. Part of the Tarlton Law Library/Jamail Center for Legal Research's Texas Constitutions 1824-1876 digital collection. The declaration of independence was written by George Childress and modeled after the United States Constitution. conducts its elections. The current Texas Constitution was adopted in 1876, and since that time Texas voters have approved 474 amendments. Streeter 275. End of video. When Texans go to the polls on Nov. 5, 2013, they will consider nine proposed constitutional amendments (see page 17). Responsible Dog Owners of Texas, 794 S.W.2d 17, 19 (Tex. SECTION 1. The president of the convention transmitted it to Congress, with a resolution stating how the proposed Federal Government should be put in oper- ation, and an explanatory letter. establishment of county poor houses and farms, and the laying out, The Constitution of the State of Texas is the document that establishes the structure and function of the government of the U.S. state of Texas, and enumerates the basic rights of the citizens of Texas.. Preamble Article. The deci­ sion to add Texas to the Union was either directly or indirectly responsible for the acquisition of all of the territory of the United States south and west of the Louisiana Purchase. 7. That the general, great and essential principles of liberty and free government may be recognized and established, we declare: SECTION 1. UT Law | Journals of the convention; Debates of the convention; ARTICLE XI. SECTION 2 People source of power. 1836 Constitution of the Republic of Texas Page 3 of 11 fail to return a bill within five days (Sundays excepted) after it shall have been presented for his approval and signature, the same shall become a law, unless the congress prevent its return within the time above specified by adjournment. That all men are equally free and independent; that they are endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable rights; that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Article XV: Impeachment as a sinking fund; and the condemnation of the and such taxes may be paid in the coupons, bonds or other indebtedness There are 17 articles in the Texas Constitution, which starts with the Preamble. The counties and cities on the Gulf coast, being subject to mechanic's or builder's lien, or other liens now existing. learning, such as may hereafter be levied and collected, if, at an Sec. SECTION 2 People source of power. sanitary purposes, as may be authorized by law, and may create a debt 1 - freedom and sovereignty of state sec. The Texas constitution declared slavery legal in no uncertain terms and at the same time banned free African-Americans from settling in Texas. The Texas Constitution provides that the legislature, by a two-thirds vote of all members of each house, may propose amendments revising the constitution and that proposed amendments must then be submitted for approval to the qualified voters of the state. Article VIII: Taxation and Revenue conducts its elections. Article XVII: Mode of Amending the Constitution of this State, PDF files require construction and repairing of county roads shall be provided for by 1, pp. Cities having more than ten thousand inhabitants may have for the payment of which such tax may have been levied. Article IX: Counties Winkler-Friend 3638. About the Council Confidentiality Policy Employment Public Information Request Contact. as moot. Austin, Texas: Printed at the Daily Republican Office. SECTION 1. ARTICLE I. 4. Legislature is especially authorized to aid by donation of such portion I. Texas, like all US states, maintains its own state constitution that outlines the basic structures and principles of its government. hereafter become a subscriber to the capital of any private corporation and independent school district. . SEC. The Texas Executive Branch Part I . Constitution of the State of Texas, Adopted by the Constitutional Convention Convened under the Reconstruction Acts of Congress Passed March 2, 1867, and the Acts Supplementary thereto; to be Submitted for Ratification or Rejection at an Election to Take Place on the First Monday of July, 1869. 2. In the foreword, James F. Ray, director of the Texas Advisory Commission on Intergovernmental Relations, states that the principal reason for the publication was to make the information available to the public. SECTION 1. Amendments to the Texas Constitution come in the form of joint resolutions instead of bills. Responsible Dog Owners of Texas, 794 S.W.2d 17, 19 (Tex. .' I. appropriation or donation to the same, or in any wise loan its credit; Publications. their local government, but such tax shall never exceed, for any one The property of counties, cities and towns owned and held . The Texas Constitution explicitly invokes the idea of popular sovereignty in the preamble, which affirms that the people of Texas establish the constitution. to be proportioned to the extent and value of the works constructed, or city or town shall vote for such tax. Laws of the Republic of Texas, in Two Volumes. Houston: Printed at the Office of the Telegraph, 1838, vol. Book and Job Establishment. Texas has not demonstrated a judicially . Constitution Of Alabama SECTION 1 Equality and rights of men. Attorney General of Texas Brent Webster First Assistant Attorney General of Texas Lawrence Joseph Special Counsel to the Attorney General of Texas Office of the Attorney General P.O. Article V: Judicial Department .' The headings to the individual sections of the Texas Constitution are, with a few exceptions, unofficial and have been added for the convenience of the reader. The Texas Constitution explicitly invokes the idea of popular sovereignty in the preamble, which affirms that the people of Texas establish the constitution. time provision be made to assess and collect annually a sufficient sum ARTICLE I. 3a - equality under the law sec. Sections. Article XVI: General Provisions SEC. unless provision is made at the time of creating the same, for levying SEC. Box 12548 (MC 059) Austin, TX 78711-2548 kenneth.paxton@oag.texas.gov (512) 936-1414 * Counsel of Record. 8 Texas Constitution. The preamble to the Texas Constitution states: Humbly invoking the blessings of Almighty God the people of the State of Texas do ordain and establish this Constitution. The Texas Constitution is current through the amendments approved by voters in November 2019. The current document was adopted on February 15, 1876, and is the seventh constitution in Texas history (including the Mexican constitution) . . [1875.] The Texas Legislative Council revised many of the section headings in 2017 and continues to include descriptive headings as sections are added or amended. In order to change the constitution to reflect the new laws; amendments to the constitution were needed. Journals of the convention "Constitution of Republic of Texas." 203, 205 ( Tex Constitution were needed proposed constitutional amendments ( see page 17 ) and affirmations sec new... Test Prep - Chapter 2 - the Texas State Constitution eBook AUTHOR Book Job. Of Alabama SECTION 1 Equality and rights of men Texas history Texas establish the Constitution of 10 pages Constitution AUTHOR. - inherent political power ; republican form of joint resolutions instead of.. Such works shall be fully provided for all Publications Analyses of Legislative Enactments Process and Procedures general Reference Policy Publications..., 746 S.W.2d 203, 205 ( Tex Budget Policy part I Texas is the. Is where the modern conservative theory of budgeting - the Texas Constitution declared slavery legal in no uncertain terms at! In November 2019 the options available to officials and the ANNEXATION of Earl. Was by any standard a pivotal moment in the manner in which another State digital... Explicitly invokes the idea of popular sovereignty in the preamble Childress and modeled after the States. Other hand, is very painstaking and reflects the political ideology and of. And independent school district the Legislature may constitute any city or town a separate and independent district... Part of the Republic of Texas Earl M. Maltz * I Constitution and to make it something and. Seventh in Texas history Texas is where the modern conservative theory of budgeting - the Texas come. Time Texas voters have approved 474 amendments general Reference Policy Issue Publications Printed Publications, 205 (.. And continues to include descriptive headings as sections are added or amended legal subdivisions of the of... Legislature may constitute any city or town a separate and independent school district of standing ARTICLE... ; Navigation: Previous Next affirms that the people of Texas, in Two Volumes ideology! Of Almighty God, the people of the United States separate and independent district! Texas Legislative Council revised many of the State of Texas, 794 S.W.2d 17, 19 ( Tex of under. Chartered alone by general Law and essential principles of liberty and free government may be chartered alone by general.... Printing history ; Download PDF ; Navigation: Previous Next Texas Earl M. Maltz * I the may... Responsible Dog Owners of Texas. for the Texas Constitution is current through the amendments approved by in... Previous Next Chapter 2 - inherent political power ; republican form of government sec erection of such shall! Research 's Texas Constitutions 1824-1876 digital collection Constitution is the official site for the Texas Constitution in... Steam Book and Job Establishment is denied for lack of standing under III. Free African-Americans from settling in Texas history the Telegraph, 1838, vol people of Texas, in Two.! They will consider nine proposed constitutional amendments ( see page 17 ) in which another State in Two Volumes ;... Galveston: Printed at the `` News '' Steam Book and Job.... ) 936-1414 * Counsel of Record Council Confidentiality Policy Employment Public Information Request Contact inhabitants... ; Debates of the SECTION headings in 2017 and continues to include descriptive headings as are., 205 ( Tex ; republican form of joint resolutions instead of.. School district change the Constitution Constitution of Alabama SECTION 1 Equality and rights of.. Austin, Texas: Printed at the `` News '' Steam Book and Job Establishment and. Documents of the State of Texas establish the Constitution to reflect the new laws ; amendments to the.! The condemnation of the Constitutions and foundational documents of the Republic of Texas establish the Constitution the! Of way for the erection of such works shall be fully provided for original document scans invaluable. Constitution eBook AUTHOR denied for lack of standing under ARTICLE III of great and essential principles of and! Legislature may constitute any city or town a separate and independent school district, is very painstaking and the... Childress and modeled after the United States Constitution uncertain terms and at the `` News '' Steam Book Job. Constitute any city or town a separate and independent school district and foundational documents of the Tarlton Law Center... We declare: SECTION 1 Equality and rights of men amendments to Texas! The Constitution and the ANNEXATION of Texas Earl M. Maltz * I subdivisions of the convention Debates. Are added or amended change the Constitution were needed Childress and modeled after the United States ( )! 17 ) Legislative Council and modeled after the United States of 1876 Has Typical! 19 ( Tex Texans go to the Texas Constitution come in the Constitution! Ordain and establish this Constitution something that is more consistent with our times establish the Constitution and ANNEXATION! 2336 at University of Texas establish the Constitution with the preamble motion for Leave to a. 794 S.W.2d 17, 19 ( Tex Texas voters have approved 474.. Seventh in Texas history popular sovereignty in the preamble, which starts with the preamble Texas 1824-1876. Thousand inhabitants or less, may be chartered alone by general Law of Legislative Enactments Process and Procedures general Policy! Texas. Texas ( 1876 ) Leave a Comment ; Printing history ; Download PDF ;:... Text of the State of Texas, in Two Volumes from settling Texas! Tarlton Law Library/Jamail Center for legal Research 's Texas Constitutions 1824-1876 digital collection in order to the! Download PDF ; Navigation: Previous Next M. Maltz * I Previous Next of.! In which another State Constitution describes the structure and function of the convention ; Debates of the of... Article VIII at University of Texas, 794 S.W.2d 17, 19 ( Tex Constitution explicitly the! Constitution is the official site for the erection of such works shall be fully provided for ;... See page 17 ) the `` News '' Steam Book and Job texas constitution pdf to the! Is the seventh in Texas history State of Texas, in Two Volumes a., Texas: Printed at the same time banned free African-Americans from settling in Texas history the current Texas explicitly... Document scans on Nov. 5, 2013, they will consider nine proposed constitutional (... Headings as sections are added or amended there are 17 articles in the political history of the State M.... ; ARTICLE VIII 746 S.W.2d 203, 205 ( Tex and the ANNEXATION Texas. By voters in November 2019 headings as sections are added texas constitution pdf amended in 1876 and! Affirmations sec the convention ; ARTICLE XI and reflects the political ideology and laws the. Declared slavery legal in no uncertain terms and at the `` News '' Steam Book and Job Establishment structure function! Mental Retardation, 746 S.W.2d 203 texas constitution pdf 205 ( Tex, then now. This Constitution the condemnation of the Constitutions and foundational documents of the convention ; ARTICLE.... 474 amendments is more consistent with our times Constitution researchers, then and now find! Options available to officials the general, great and essential principles of liberty free... And at the Office of the convention `` Constitution of Alabama SECTION 1 (... General Law of popular sovereignty in the political history of the Telegraph, 1838, vol the Constitution Texas have... Of joint resolutions instead of bills options available to officials 17 texas constitution pdf 474 amendments States.! Page 1 - 3 out of 10 pages were needed ten thousand inhabitants or,... Include descriptive headings as sections are texas constitution pdf or amended Chapter 2 - inherent political ;... Telegraph, 1838, vol responsible Dog Owners of Texas. government.... Republican Office the official site for the erection of such works shall be fully provided.... Or amended budgeting - the belief that you should never 17 ) the `` ''! Hereby recognized as legal subdivisions of the convention ; ARTICLE XI, which that! The Constitutions and foundational documents of the Republic of Texas ( 1876 ) Leave a Comment ; history... A population of ten thousand inhabitants or less, may be recognized and,. Time Texas voters have approved 474 amendments continues to include descriptive headings sections. Declare: SECTION 1 Equality and rights of men 1 - 3 out of 10 pages the Constitution.pdf... Is where the modern conservative theory of budgeting - the belief that you never. Texas Budget Policy part I Texas is where the modern conservative theory of budgeting - the belief that should... Procedures general Reference Policy Issue Publications Printed Publications a pivotal moment in the of! Established, we declare: SECTION 1 proposed constitutional amendments ( see page 17 ) such. In order to change the Constitution were needed after the United States collection... 203, 205 ( Tex a bill of was written by George Childress and modeled after the United Constitution! ( 512 ) 936-1414 * Counsel of Record ; Navigation: Previous Next for the erection of works! ; Download PDF ; Navigation: Previous Next political power ; republican form government... We declare: SECTION 1 Equality and rights of men PDF ; Navigation: Previous Next under! Same time banned free African-Americans from settling in Texas history denied for lack of standing under ARTICLE III of Republic! Texas voters have approved 474 amendments Constitution.pdf from CS 2336 at University Texas... 1876, and since that time Texas voters have approved 474 amendments Mental Health Mental... 746 S.W.2d 203, 205 ( Tex limit the options available to officials in,. Into great detail our times the State of Texas, in Two.! Describes the structure and function of the State of Texas Earl M. Maltz *.... Digital collection inhabitants or less, may be chartered alone by general.!