1. Texas Constitution
Celebrate freedom

2. Basic Principles of government
The Texas Constitution is the basis of the state’s government
It was approved in 1876
It is the 6th State constitution
It is modeled after the u.s. constitution

3. Basic principles of government
Texas is subject to the laws of the U.S.
The u.s does grant certain authority to the state
This is called federalism (division of authority between 2 governments)

4. 7 principles of government
These principles are found in both the U.S. and Texas Constitution
Look at your handout!!!

5. Texas bill of rights
To protect Texans’ rights the Texas constitution contains a bill of rights
Modeled after u.s. constitution
Freedom of press, speech, religion, trial by jury, rights of accused

6. amendments Texas constitution has been amended 470 times
U.s. constitution has been amended 27 times
Texans must vote (majority) to pass an amendment after it passes through state legislature
U.s. constitutional amendments are passed by state legislatures after passing through congress. ¾ of states must approve.

7. Texas government
3 branches
Legislative
Executive
judicial

8. Legislature
2 branches
House of representatives 150 members that serve 2 year terms, must be 21 and citizen for 2 years
Senate 31 members serve 4 year terms , must be 26 and texas citizen for 5 years
Main job of legislature is to make laws. Taxes, traffic laws and qualifications for teachers

9. executive
Governor is head of the executive branch. 48th governor, Greg abbott (R)
Enforces laws
Manages and conducts daily business of the state
Elected every 4 years, no limit on terms, must be 30 years old , u.s citizen and lived in texas 5 years
The governor of texas is considered weak because of his constitutional restrictions

10. judicial