PotPourri Of Global Interest: Texas Constitution Adopted in 1876

On March 2, 1836, Robert Potter made a motion to the Constitutional Convention that a committee be appointed to write a constitution. One week later, on March 9th, Martin Parmer reported that the first copy had been completed. Many changes were made to this copy, especially concerning public lands, election of the president, and importation of slaves. On March 13th another report was made. Believing this to be the final copy of the constitution, a committee was appointed to edit the document. Amendments continued to be made up until March 16th when it was adopted at midnight. The citizens of Texas approved the constitution in September 1836

The Texas Constitution, adopted in 1876, like many state constitutions, explicitly provides separation of powers. The state's Bill of Rights has provisions unique to Texas and is considerably longer than its federal counterpart.

The Texas Constitution is the document that describes the structure and function of the government of Texas. Texas has had six constitutions: the 1836 Constitution of the Republic of Texas, and the state constitutions of 1845, 1861, 1866, 1869, and 1876.

The 1876 constitution, which took effect on February 15, is the current constitution of Texas. Texas Constitution is the one of the longest state constitutions in the United States, and one of the oldest still in effect.