Explain the length of the Texas constitution and analyze how the legislature contributes to lengthening state constitutions
What will be an ideal response?
Answer:
A. Texas constitution has 90,000 words
1. Separate articles for executive, legislative and judicial powers
2. Bill of Rights
3. Powers of local governments
B. Constitutions blur constitutional and legislative law
1. Length is due to the inclusion of not just governmental structure but policy matters
2. Texas constitution example: parimutuel gambling and the state lottery
a. Neither issue is part of governmental structure; should be included in state statues
b. state law forbids horseracing, constitution forbids lottery
c. Horseracing betting approved by simple majority
d. lottery required amendment to state constitution
3. State constitutions have many legislative provisions making them restrictive
a. restrictions lead to many amendments
b. Texas high end with 300 amendments (U.S Constitution has 27)
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