Essay On Texas Constitution Of 1876

For almost fifty years, from 1827 to 1876, seven constitutions were adopted and implemented for Taxes and each one has its set of laws and contained specific ways, aimed at correcting the deficiencies and drawbacks of the previously adopted order. The Constitution of 1876 is the sixth one, which set the rules and laws for Texas government since the state has achieved its independence from Mexico in 1836. The constitution established the principles of Texas Democratic Government and specified the laws, which were applied to the three branches of government: legislative, juridical and executive.

The major principles of democracy, established by the Texas constitution of 1876 include the following: popular sovereignty, limited government, federalism, separation of powers and individual rights. In terms of legislative brunch, Texas constitution

Texas Constitution is long and detailed, containing a range of statutory provisions that specify exactly what the government is allowed to do and is prohibited to do. In case of any public policy challenges, public

officials of Texas are not allowed to interpret the constitution in a way that would permit them deviating from the specific and original language of the constitution. These provisions are still relevant and applicable for all branches of government, as the Constitution efficiently restricted the authority of each branch of Texas government.

In relation to legislative branch, Texas constitution contained detailed restrictions on tax, while policies considerably limited the powers of state legislators. Texas constitution represented the will of people; therefore, it contained democratic views, embodied in the laws. Thus, the governor’s appointment powers were restricted through creation of the plural executive. They, in their turn, divided power among several elected officials. Moreover, the Constitution states that Texas legislature is a part-time, non-professional legislature, which must meet every two years. In this way, the Texas Constitution ensured the observance of the principles of democracy.

Juridical branch of the government has undergone certain changes and was shaped by the Texas Constitution.

The principles, which define the work of juridical branch, are relevant nowadays, as they have proved their effectiveness and managed to gain confidence of population. Texas juridical branch is complex and confusing. According to the principles of the Texas Constitution, six types of courts are established, some of which have simultaneous or overlapping jurisdictions. In accordance with the Texas Constitution of 1876, two high courts were established. In addition, in the traditions of Jacksonian Democracy, all the judges in Texas courts should be ready to compete with electoral politics and take their positions according to the results of partisan elections. This democratic principle of fair elections and respect to the votes of citizens is still applied in the juridical branch of Texas

government.

The executive branch has undergone certain changes as well, and was reshaped, based on the principles of the Texas constitution of 1876. In accordance with it, a plural executive was created. In order to guarantee the observance of the democratic laws and principles, the plural executive was authorized to disperse executive powers on multiple elected offices, thus making the executive branch more fragmented and preventing the constitution of power in hands of one office or individual. However, the only remained position of the governor was to veto definite items and bills that have been passed by the legislature.

The Texas Constitution of 1876 was the only document that managed to apply the principles of the Texas democratic government and reflect the ideals of democratic society. The principles and laws, adopted by the Constitution are still relevant and work for the benefit of Texas population.