Author Question: As a member of the 1974 revision commission, explain the drawbacks of the Texas constitution of 1876 ... (Read 89 times)

Charlie · **on:** Jul 8, 2018

As a member of the 1974 revision commission, explain the drawbacks of the Texas constitution of 1876 that Simon Smith, a member of the Senate, attempted to overcome, and why the recommendations of the commission were not accepted.

What will be an ideal response?

Question 2

The support of the governor is essential for making a Texas constitutional amendment.

Indicate whether the statement is true or false.

patma1981 · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 8, 2018

Answer to Question 1

Answer:
A. Constitution of 1876
1. Written to meet the needs of a state that was recovering from its military defeat and Reconstruction
2. Did not provide for an efficient government
3. Had too many amendments that made it long and confusing
4. Long, wordy passages
5. Outdated passages
6. Obsolete provisions
7. Little voter interest in revisions
B. Revision commission made a much shorter document
1. changed the structure of Texas government
2. annual sessions of the legislature
3. appointment of judges
C. Document was killed
1. did not have enough votes
2. did not have public support
a. right-to-work provision kept citizens from being forced to join unions
b. school funding equalization
D. Was given to voters in eight parts in 1975
1. governor helped defeat propositions due to the propaganda that there would be new state income taxes
2. All eight provisions were defeated with less than 30 percent approval

Answer to Question 2

Answer: F