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Texas Constitution Pros And Cons

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The Texas Constitution The current version of the Texas constitution is the six version by which it has been governed under since it was framed by the Constitutional Convention of 1875 and adopted on February 15, 1876. This version of the constitution is based on the U.S constitution that came into play in 1789 since its ratification. Like many states, the Texas constitution is rigid and includes to many explicit details. When drafted, the conditions used to help shape the writing of the constitution were very different, especially for the old Confederacy. As a result, the Texas constitution is often ridiculed because of its lengthiness and anonymity that results in frequent constitutional amendments. Many endeavors for reform of the constitution …show more content…

For instance, under handed tactics were used to distract the people from the real issues. Gimbaling and the right to vote were a few of these discretionary issues. Although officials gave there best attempt to convince its citizens of the benefits the new charter would usher in, it was defeated in a two to one margin. One of the current governors at the time played a hand in assisting with the defeat of the proposed charter. He aided the defeat of the bill because he feared it would cause tax increases, government expansions, and job loss. (Newell, Charldean, David F. Prindle, James W. Riddlesperger, Jr., Todd Donovan, Christopher Z. Mooney, and Daniel A. Smith, 2013, p. …show more content…

We can conclude that in order to amend the Texas constitution a proposal must be initiated during a regular session or special session of the legislator. In addition, a unanimous two-thirds vote must be achieved before an election can be held for the people to vote on the amendment. Although citizens voiced their concerns for reform of the constitution during the 1970’s only one reform attempt resulted in an opportunity for the electorate to vote. In the end the constitutional reform did not succeed because of shady tactics, specific individuals, and fear of change. The recent Supreme Court Ruling on gay marriages is an example of why the Texas constitution is to constrict and non-free flowing. Due to the fact that it is so detailed they would not of had the ability to allow gay marriages to be legal without a specific

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