1. Chapter Two The Texas Constitution

2. Copyright © Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved. 2-2 The Beginning Any legislative member introduces a joint resolution to amend the constitution. This is a special type of legislation. It has special requirements for its passage. The governor CANNOT veto the measure.

3. Copyright © Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved. 2-3 In the Legislature… The joint resolution is debated and possibly amended like other pieces of legislation. Committee hearings are held. Substitutes are sometimes offered. Resolution must pass with 2/3 vote in EACH house. It may still be subject to conference committee.

4. Copyright © Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved. 2-4 Once Passed… Once the joint resolution has passed both houses of the legislature, moves on to other parts of government. The Secretary of State writes a brief explanation of the amendment. The attorney general approves the explanation.

5. Copyright © Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved. 2-5 Preparing to Vote… The explanatory notes must be published twice in local newspapers before the election to give voters some information. The League of Women Voters may also publish their summary of the amendments, with general for/against arguments.

6. Copyright © Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved. 2-6 Preparing to Vote… (Cont’d) Proposed amendments are posted in the county courthouse at least 30 days before the election. Newspapers or other publications may print the amendments, or a brief version of them. Once again, voters can see what they are being asked to vote on.

7. Copyright © Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved. 2-7 Preparing to Vote… (Cont’d) There are other sources of information as well. Many of these other sources are clearly for or against some amendments. Newspaper editorials Internet websites Interest group mailings

8. Copyright © Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved. 2-8 Voting! The amendments may require a special election. The amendments may be included in a general election. Voting is done by registered voters and the choice is simply “yes” or “no”.

9. Copyright © Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved. 2-9 Results… The majority rules: If the Majority vote in favor of the amendment, the constitution is changed according to the amendment. If the majority vote against the amendment, the constitution is NOT changed for that amendment. The governor proclaims the new amendments.

10. Copyright © Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved. 2-10 Your Involvement… There are some ways you can be involved in the amendment process: Getting a joint resolution introduced Getting a joint resolution passed Publicly supporting the amendment with advertising, going door to door, etc. Voting for the amendment

11. Copyright © Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved. 2-11 Graphically Speaking… Constitution may be Amended Voters vote in a Referendum Then… The Legislature Proposes the Amendment

12. Copyright © Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved. 2-12 The End That’s it for amending the constitution. Less than 10% of the joint resolutions introduced will become proposed amendments. Once proposed to voters, most amendments will pass.