Constitution of the State of Texas
1876
Texas has been governed by six constitutions, reflecting its history as a Spanish colony, Mexican state, independent republic, U.S. state, Confederate state, and reconstructed state. The current constitution was adopted in 1876, drafted by a convention dominated by Democrats reacting against what they viewed as the excesses of Reconstruction-era government under the 1869 constitution. The 1876 document deliberately weakened state government, limiting legislative sessions, capping salaries, and restricting executive power. It is one of the longest and most frequently amended state constitutions in the nation, with hundreds of amendments ratified over the decades, largely because its restrictive provisions have required direct amendment rather than legislative flexibility to address new needs.
Preamble
Humbly invoking the blessings of Almighty God, the people of the State of Texas, do ordain and establish this Constitution.
Article I — Bill of Rights
Section 1. FREEDOM AND SOVEREIGNTY OF STATE. Texas is a free and independent State, subject only to the Constitution of the United States, and the maintenance of our free institutions and the perpetuity of the Union depend upon the preservation of the right of local self-government, unimpaired to all the States. Section 2. INHERENT POLITICAL POWER; REPUBLICAN FORM OF GOVERNMENT. All political power is inherent in the people, and all free governments are founded on their authority, and instituted for their benefit. The faith of the people of Texas stands pledged to the preservation of a republican form of government, and, subject to this limitation only, they have at all times the inalienable right to alter, reform or abolish their government in such manner as they may think expedient. Section 3. EQUAL RIGHTS. All free men, when they form a social compact, have equal rights, and no man, or set of men, is entitled to exclusive separate public emoluments, or privileges, but in consideration of public services. Section 9. SEARCHES AND SEIZURES. The people shall be secure in their persons, houses, papers and possessions, from all unreasonable seizures or searches, and no warrant to search any place, or to seize any person or thing, shall issue without describing them as near as may be, nor without probable cause, supported by oath or affirmation.