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Texas Constitution Essay

438 Words2 Pages

Texas has had multiple constitutions over the course of its history, starting with the constitution of Coahuila y Tejas in 1827. Texas, at the time, had very few residents and was combined with the state of Coahuila after Mexico gained independence from Spain. Legislative power under this constitution was unicameral with 12 elected deputies, 2 of them from Texas. A governor and vice-governor held executive power, and judicial powers were in the courts. This constitution “formally guaranteed citizens the right to liberty, security, property, and equality” and established Catholicism as the state religion (Champagne & Harpham, 2015, p. 45). Shortly after this constitution came the Constitution of the Republic of Texas. Inspired by growing unhappiness with the Mexican government, in the early 1830’s Texans began discussing new constitutional plans. Some of their demands included wanting “a more liberal immigration policy … [and] separate statehood for Texas” (2015, p. 46). With this constitution came the Texas Declaration of Independence, resulting in the new constitution establishing an elected executive, a legislative power that was bicameral, and a judicial system with multiple tiers. This constitution had a separation of powers into 3 branches and a system of checks and balances. Under this document slavery was allowed, and the values of the United States …show more content…

There was “no attempt … made to define the scope of states’ rights” and the government placed importance on Catholicism (2015, p. 45). As more and more Americans began immigrating into Texas, the government began to try and limit immigration, which ultimately led to the desire for and result of independence for Texas. The Declaration of Independence even goes so far as to call Mexico a military tyranny, similar to what the United States had called their former King in their own

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