Research Paper On Texas Constitution Of 1876

The Constitution of 1876 is the sixth constitution by which Texas has been governed since independence from Mexico was achieved in 1836. The constitution contains some provisions that are uniquely Texan, many of which are products of the state's unusual history. The Constitution of 1876 began with a lengthy bill of rights. It declared that Texas was a free and independent state, subject only to the Constitution of the United States, that all free men have equal rights, and that the writ of habeas corpus could not be suspended or unduly delayed. The Constitution of 1876 provided for the establishment of the University of Texas and made Texas A&M, which had been founded by the legislature in 1871, a branch of it. The constitution further required the legislature to establish an institution of higher education for the instruction of the black youth of the state. …show more content…
The Constitution does not have a direct order to preserve the limitations of the 3 broad powers it entails, nor does it specifically instruct upkeep of a structure of checks and balances. However, it does give the power to legislate to 3 different branches and it provides the means so that each of the branches could repel the approvals and intrusions of the others throughout the document. The Separation of Powers invented by the framers of the Constitution was intended to do one primary thing: keep the majority from governing with excessive power. Based on their understanding, the framers stayed away from granting any branch of the new government too much power. The separation of powers offers a system of common powers known as Checks and