What is the main reason behind why the 1876 constitution is designed the way it is?
Hey, Texplainer: Why does the Texas Constitution have so many amendments? The way it's written makes it both fairly easy to amend and highly restrictive in the powers it grants, making frequent and often highly specific changes necessary.
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by Chris Hooks Aug. 25, 20112 PM Central Copy link RepublishThe Texas Constitution Credit:Illustration by Todd WisemanWelcome to The Texas Tribune's "Texplainer" series, where we answer questions from readers like you. Hey, Texplainer: Why does the Texas Constitution have so many amendments? A good example of the challenges posed by this type of restrictive constitution is Article X, one of the 17 articles in the Texas Constitution. The article dealt with the regulation of railroads — a hot-button issue in 1876. Article X has remained in the Constitution long after the federal government took over regulatory duties for transportation, and in 1969, all except one of the Article’s sections was repealed. The remaining section is likewise outdated, and has little force of law. Bottom line: The way the Texas document is written makes it, perhaps paradoxically, both fairly easy to amend and highly restrictive in the powers it grants, making frequent and often highly specific changes necessary. Got a question for Texplainer? Email us at [email protected]. Texas Tribune donors or members may be quoted or mentioned in our stories, or may be the subject of them. For a complete list of contributors, click here. Give by Dec. 31 and unlock $10,000 for the Tribune.Our friends at JP’s Peace, Love & Happiness Foundation are matching the first $10,000 in gifts made by Dec. 31. Will you help us unlock the match — and sustain our newsroom into the new year? What were some of the main principles behind the Constitution of 1876?The Constitution of 1876 began with a lengthy bill of rights. It declared that Texas was a free and independent state, subject only to the Constitution of the United States, that all free men have equal rights, and that the writ of habeas corpus could not be suspended or unduly delayed.
What was the purpose of the Texas Constitution of 1876?In general, the new constitution reflected the lack of faith in government the delegates had formed over the Reconstruction years. They slashed the power of officials along with their salaries and terms of office. The document was submitted to the voters and ratified the following year as the Constitution of 1876.
Which of the following is one of the most important themes of the Constitution of 1876?First major theme: Wanted strong popular control of state government. Second major theme: They believed that a constitution should seriously limit the power of stare government.
What was the most significant difference between the 1869 constitution to the 1876 constitution?What was the most significant change to the powers of the governor from the 1869 constitution to the 1876 constitution? The governor's powers to appoint a cabinet were taken away.
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