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State Constitutions (United States)

In a State Constitution document, each US State at length and in more detail than the US Constitution describes its governmental structure, legal processes, and powers of the State over its citizens. A State's Constitution cannot violate and must generally conform to the US Constitution, and its amendments. Citizens can vote to amend State Constitutions.

346 Questions

Does the Texas constitution of 1876 mandate a balanced state budget?

Article 3, Section 49a(b) "Except in the case of emergency . . . and with a 4/5ths vote of the total membership of each House, no appropriation in excess of the cash and anticipated revenue of the funds from which such appropriation is to be made shall be or is valid."

Has the state constitution of Montana been amended to prohibit same-sex marriage in that state?

Yes, on November 2, 2004, but the amendment was struck down as unconstitutional on November 19, 2014. The amendment used to say:

Only a marriage between one man and one woman shall be valid or recognized as a marriage in this state.

How many times has the 1876 Texas Constitution been amended?

The Texas Constitution is one of the longest in the nation and is still growing. As of 2007 (80th Legislature), the Texas Legislature has passed a total of 632 amendments. Of these, 456 have been adopted and 176 have been defeated by Texas voters. Thus, the Texas Constitution has been amended 456 times since its adoption in 1876.

Why didn't Florida represenatives sign the constitution?

At the time the constitution of the United States was signed, Florida had not yet become a state in the union. The constitution was ratified in 1788, Florida became a state in 1845.

What are the steps to change the California Constitution?

constitutional change used more often in califronia than eleswhere is exccerised through the use of .

What are strengths and weaknesses of the Texas Constitution?

Weaknesses

  • v There are 93,000 words in the Texas Constitution.
  • v The Texas Constitution has been amended 467 times, making it one of the most frequently amended constitutions among the states.
  • v It was written during the era of cowboys and cattle drives, causing it to be very outdated.
  • v Since it is so precise, it has become a long list of specific rules rather than a set of fundamental legal principles for state law.
  • v Also, because of its preciseness, there is no flexibility.
  • v Because of this, the Texas Constitution is unorganized.
  • v Legislature session is only 140 days long every other year.
  • v The election of judges causes Texans to think that the judiciary is overly influenced by money.
  • v All constitutional amendments are voted on during a special session or an odd year when there is less voter turnout.

Strengths

  • v Texas is definitely NOT trying to become a dictator.
  • v It specifies the creation of two high courts.
  • v Even though the legislature sessions are only 140 days long, the governor can call a special 30 day session.
  • v Forbids the government from imposing a state tax without the approval from the majority of the voters.
  • v The constitution places a high value on individual freedom
  • v I personally think it is a strength that they left God in the constitution instead of taking him out like the rest of the nation seems to be doing.

What makes the Alabama constitution unusual?

It is the longest State Constitution in the US and is with 357,157 words 40 times longer then the US Constitution which most US Citizens have failed to read.

Who is were most influential in initiating and shaping the outcome of the Texas Constitutional Convention of 1875?

Two very influential men in the creation and framing of the Texas Constitution in 1875 were Edward Pickett, who presided over the convention, and the convention's secretary, Leigh Chalmers.

The Texas Constitution grants the veto power?

The Texas Constitution grants the veto power to the governor. These are formal powers which are clearly defined by the constitution of this state.

Has the state constitution of Arkansas been amended to prohibit same-sex marriage in that state?

Yes, in November 2004, but that amendment was struck down by the United States Supreme Court on June 26, 2015. The amendment used to say:

  1. Marriage. Marriage consists only of the union of one man and one woman.
  2. Marital status. Legal status for unmarried persons which is identical or substantially similar to marital status shall not be valid or recognized in Arkansas, except that the legislature may recognize a common law marriage from another state between a man and a woman.
  3. Capacity, rights, obligations, privileges, and immunities. The legislature has the power to determine the capacity of persons to marry, subject to this amendment, and the legal rights, obligations, privileges, and immunities of marriage.

The largest organized group of delegates at the Texas Constitutional convention of 1875 was what?

I recently had a mid term exam that contained this exact question. (I got it right) The answer is The Grangers

Between 1966 and 1969 which Texas Governor led the effort to revise the Texas Constitution?

John Conally (1963-1969) was the Governor of the State of Texas at the time when revision efforts for the Constitution of Texas were made and successfully repealed 56 separate obsolete provisions.

Why did Texas adopt its current constitution that limits the power of state government?

The Texas Constitution limited the power of state government because people were worried that a powerful government would abuse that power and interfere with the rights of the people. The state's constitution has 17 articles.

What is the Texas Constitution designates the governor as?

The Texas Constitution designates the governor as the Chief Executive Officer. The governor has the ability to appoint people to vacancies in state offices in certain circumstances.