A constitution is a document enacted by law that clearly states how a state is to achieve it political goals. It also defines just how the various tools available to the state are going to be appropriated in achieving these goals. It also defines how the various offices that are accorded by law are going to be occupied, and by whom. It is through the constitution that any state can achieve its chief objective of alleviating the state of matters within the state. The Texas constitution has its weaknesses, some being: a weak chief executive; an outdated and part time legislature; a poorly organized judiciary; dedicated funds that limits the states budgetary options; and bugged down by statutory details.
The weak chief executive is an issue that has affected the Texas constitution. Under the Texas constitution, the governor is the chief executive. He has limitations enacted after several revisions to the law. This is because in the Texas constitution of 1876, the powers vested in a governor were distributed among a number of independently elected officials. This brought down the ability of the governor to perform certain functions even in full capacity. The powers of the legal system and other arms of the government are now disbursed among officials who do not necessarily share the same view, and even the same political party as the governor.
An outdated and part time legislature has proven to be problematic for this constitution. The legislature meets for a cumulative 140-day period within a year. It comprises of citizens legislators, who are sometimes wealthy individuals with influence. The shortness of the convening of the group leads to them lacking the experience needed in the application of their services, therefore resulting in the need for third party services, causing a slow process.
Dedicated funds that limit the state’s budgetary options have also been a big issue. The constitution has several amendments effected on the original 1876 document. These amendments limit the legislatures spending capability. This has therefore made it even more difficult for the government to address new problems. This is because the money spending powers have been limited to a previous problem. Changing the constitution to fit the ever-changing needs of a state is not easy, and therefore this fact has proven a problem to the dynamic needs of an ever-growing state population.
This constitution has been bogged down by statutory details. This constitution is 87,000 words full compared to the national constitution that is only made up of 7,000 words. An example of a detailed aspect is that fact that if a local want to change a law affecting them, then the whole state has to go to the ballot on the issue. This makes the process of adapting to new situations rather slow.
Works cited:
Amendments to the Texas Constitution Since 1876. Austin, Tex: Texas Legislative Council, 2010. Print.
Chik, Janice T. A. The Unity of Action: : Reviving a Neo-Aristotelian Case for Hylomorphism. Austin, Tex: University of Texas, 2009. Internet resource.
Dye, Thomas, Tucker Gibson, Clay Robison, Bartholomew Sparrow Politics in America. New York: Longman, 2009. Print.
