POLI-330N Week 1 Assignment: State of Powers: Texas Constitution vs. The United States Bill of Rights

We all grow up learning about the United States Constitution and what it includes. In school, year after year, we dive into the different parts and learn about their meaning. But how many people know about their state constitution? In my opinion, I feel as though not many people do. I say this because when presented with project, I didn't realize our state had its on constitution. I knew states could have their own laws but never thought that they could all have an individual constitution. First, I dove into Louisiana’s state constitution and picked out Article 1 Const 1 7 which is Freedom of expression. It states “No law shall curtail or restrain the freedom of speech or of the press. Every person may speak, write, and publish his sentiments on any subject, but is responsible for abuse of that freedom” (Louisiana Laws Table of Contents - Louisiana State Legislature). After reading this, it tells me that the state government grants the citizens the right to speak up and express themselves but also shows them that it could come with consequences. I then looked up the United States Bill of Rights and found that the first amendment (article the third) relates to the above at a national level. This amendment states “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances” (The Bill of Rights: A Transcription). Although this amendment covers a few things, it mentions the freedom of expression when it talks about freedom of speech. A citizens freedom of speech can be a form of expression. Next, I found another state section, Article 1 Const 1 8, which is Freedom of Religion. It states “No law shall be enacted respecting an establishment of religion or prohibiting the free exercise thereof” (Louisiana Laws Table of Contents - Louisiana State Legislature). After reading this, it tells me that the state cannot stop someone from practicing a religion or stop them from