The Texas Consitution
Govt 2107
,Role of a State Constitution
State constitutions
All states have a constitution.
Establish institutions
Specify broad rules and laws governing the
state
Legitimate state institutions: explain the sources
of their authority
Delegate power: explain what institutions are
allowed to perform certain functions
Prevent the concentration of power
Limit power by defining rights of citizens
, Role of a State Constitution
Fundamental questions about constitutions:
What belongs in a constitution, and what should
merely be a law?
Must a constitution always be followed?
What measures should be taken to ensure it
remains a living document?
Applicable to contemporary society even though very
dated, as with the U.S. Constitution
Govt 2107
,Role of a State Constitution
State constitutions
All states have a constitution.
Establish institutions
Specify broad rules and laws governing the
state
Legitimate state institutions: explain the sources
of their authority
Delegate power: explain what institutions are
allowed to perform certain functions
Prevent the concentration of power
Limit power by defining rights of citizens
, Role of a State Constitution
Fundamental questions about constitutions:
What belongs in a constitution, and what should
merely be a law?
Must a constitution always be followed?
What measures should be taken to ensure it
remains a living document?
Applicable to contemporary society even though very
dated, as with the U.S. Constitution
