Answer to Question 1
Answer: An ideal response will:
1. Explain how the distrust of government under Reconstruction and the Edmund Davis administration influenced the framers of the 1876 constitution to write more restrictive language into the constitution.
2. Explain how the restrictive, statutory nature of the constitution does not allow enough flexibility for it to adapt to changing circumstances without being amended. That is, the Texas Constitution is not a living constitution.
3. Note that the Texas Constitution is fairly easy to amend.
4. Note that the Texas Constitution has been amended a lot compared with other state constitutions, but that some state constitutions have been amended even more often.
Answer to Question 2
Answer: An ideal response will:
1. Explain how the legislative branch is weak and has a hard time meeting the increasingly complex needs of Texas. Also explain why the legislature is susceptible to influence from interest groups.
2. Explain that the executive branch is weak because its powers are fragmented among a host of independently elected officials.
3. Explain the weaknesses in an inequitable public education system.
4. Explain the criticism that budgeting and finances cannot be easily alteredto meet changing state needs.
5. Explain the criticisms for past restrictions on individual rights for African Americans and other groups.
6. Explain the criticism that the Texas Constitution has an unnecessary level of confusing statutory detail.
7. Explain the weakness that the Texas Constitution requires excessive amendments to enable state government to adapt to changes.
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