Constitution
Please define constitution. What are the four key purposes of all
constitutions? Please define separation of powers. Please define
checks and balances. Should the Texas Constitution of 1876 be
amended to increase the length of the regular sessions of the Texas
Legislature? Why or why not?
Constitution is the basic law of a state or nation. The 4 main purposes of constitutions include
the following: legitimacy- the government is morally just and fair
organizing government- who the candidates are, how they get picked, what they do (separation
of powers & checks and balances)
providing power- Expressed powers and implied powers, as well as incorporation and the bill of
rights
limiting governmental power- bill of rights and amendments (civil rights/liberties).
Separation of powers is when the 3 branches of government are kept separate. Checks and
balances is when each branch is given specific powers to keep the other branches in check,
preventing one branch from becoming over powered. The Texas Constitution of 1876 should be
amended to increase the length of the regular sessions because it would prevent the extra
additions and alterations .
