Changes And Continuities And Changes In Texas

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Texas has seen many changes since the first constitution of Coahuila y Tejas was drafted in 1827. During this time Texas was still a part of Mexico, as it sought it's independence from Spain in 1821. The first constitution was built for a unicameral congress which consisted of 12 deputies. Texas was at that time considered a buffer for Mexico against many of the Native American tribes.

The constitution of the Republic of Texas came about as more Anglo setters moved from the United States into Texas. During this time Mexico was having it's own internal struggles. Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna sized power of the Mexican government. One of the first things Santa Anna did was to suspend the powers of the Mexican Congress, and void the first constitution of Texas. Mexico began to undergo a …show more content…

Initially it was blocked Texas still allowed slavery to continue. The first bill approved by the U.S. Congress included compromises that allowed Texas to join the union, and keep slavery.

In 1876 the constitution was copied almost verbatim from the 1845 constitution with a few exceptions. Slavery was still allowed, it denied state run banks, and barred anyone who had participated in a dual from running for office. This lasted until Texas succeeded from the union in 1861.

In 1861 before the Civil War, the constitution was revised again. This time it kept most of the constitution of 1845 but made many changes to align Texas with the Confederacy. The constitution gave greater protection to slavery, and destroyed any two party system for Texas.

By 1866 the Civil War had ended, and Texas was returned to the control of the United States. The Constitution of 1845 was amended to add the new Union requirements. Slavery was banned, and all debts under the Confederacy were forgiven. This constitution was short lived, and soon was replaced with the Constitution of