Texas Constitution

Texas joins the US 1870 President Grant signed an act to readmit Texas to Congressional representation Happened after Texas representatives agreed to pass the 15 th amendment

Constitution of 1876 Still the current constitution Texas follows Includes several characteristics of the US constitution Popular Sovereignty-reflects the will of the people Separation of Power-the powers of the government are divided into three different departments Supreme Court-allows legislature to declare a law unconstitutional

Constitution of 1876 Includes a bill of rights Allows Texans to have: – Freedom of religion – Voting rights Allowed all men, regardless of race the right to vote – Rights as crime victims Notification of court proceedings Right to be present at court proceedings Right to restitution Right to information about the accused

Different levels of government National State County City – Provide police and fire protection – Provide emergency medical services – Construct sewer and water lines – Establish zoning rules for construction

Lawrence Sullivan Ross General in the Confederate Army 19 th Governor of Texas President of Texas A&M University

Assignment Copy and answer the following questions on a sheet of paper 1.Which principle of the Texas constitution reflects the will of the people? 2.Which principle of the Texas constitution divides the government into three departments? 3.Which freedom guarantees that no man shall be compelled to attend a ministry against his consent? 4.How can the Supreme Court check the power of legislature? 5.Who was the 19 th Governor of Texas? 6.How did the constitution of 1876 expand voting rights? 7.What level of government establishes zoning rules? 8.What right guarantees the right to information about the accused?