Comparison of U.S. and Texas Constitution

U.S.

Constitution SimilaritiesTexas Constitution

U.S. Constitution has not been rewritten

has strong separation of powers & strong executive (Legislative, Executive, Judicial)

U.S Constitution is short, about 7,400 words, with only 27 Amendments

state constitutions have been rewritten several times

have weak separation of powers because of plural executive which is the (division of executive (governor’s) power among several other elected officials) Limits governor power

TX. Constitution is very long because too much policy is spelled out (TX. = 80,000 words long, over 400 Amendments

U.S.

Constitution SimilaritiesTexas Constitution

Constitution change/grow through 2 methods:1. Numbered amendment2. Judicial interpretation

Highest law of the land

Written September 17, 1787 ratified and became effective March 4, 1789

change/grow through 1 methods:

1. Numbered amendment

May not make laws that go against the U.S. Constitution

Written in 1876 (last), Texas has had 6 constitutions,

Limits governor power

U.S.

Constitution SimilaritiesTexas Constitution

BicameralPlan of governmentMakes a government legalClear duties of major officialsHow voters select officialsLimit the power of governmentThree branches of governmentBill of RightsThe group of white males involved in the writing of the Constitution is generally referred to as the "framers".