Abstract
This paper begins with a discussion of early versions of the Texas Constitution. The paper then analyzes the state Constitution of 1875 and concludes that overall, the Constitution of 1876 was an imperfect document because its' wealth of detail makes it more closely resemble a code of laws rather than a Constitution. The author suggests that since Texas has seen a great deal of change in the past 130 years, it may be time for the Constitution to change as well.

From the Paper
"The Republic of Texas was able to draft up its first state Constitution when it achieved statehood in 1845. (McDonald) The British supported a free-trade Texas, not the annexation. They did not wish to add Texas to the British empire, but they wanted to block western expansion of the United States and lure the southern states away from the north. ("Spanish Texas") The Texas congress met in June of that year and a convention of elected delegates met on July fourth to discuss the annexation of Texas. ("Spanish Texas") By annexation, Texas had the assurance of a bright future, and would receive the protection of a powerful country. Texas would be annexed as a slave state rather than a territory. Both Congress and the convention voted for annexation. ("Spanish Texas") The state Constitution was ratified by popular vote and accepted by the United States Congress. The reception of Texas into the Union helped speed up the disintegration of the political parties. Political ideologies were making the Civil War almost unavoidable.
"Texas seceded from the Union in order to join the Confederacy in 1861. (McDonald) The Constitution was amended later this year. It differed little from that of 1845, but placed slavery within the law. ("Spanish Texas") The stage was set for Texas to fight in one of the bloodiest wars in American history."

Tags:texas confederacy, republic of texas, state constitution

Abstract
This essay examines the stability of the United States Constitution, looking both at the rare proposals to revise the Constitution on a wholesale basis and the amendment process, and finds that the Constitution is remarkably stable because it meets the needs of the American people. In this examination, the focus is on the Federal Marriage Amendment.

From the Paper
"The Constitution of the United States is sufficiently effective and equitable as a basic instrument of government that it requires it should not be put to major changes. The Constitution of the United States was adopted as this country's basic instrument of government in 1789. Since that time, it has been variously amended only twenty seven times (Amendments to the Constitution), and while there are ongoing debates in many circles about the need to improve the document, it remains remarkably durable, with groups and individuals from virtually all points of the political spectrum endorsing it. "

Tags:constitution

Abstract
This paper looks at the origins and objectives of the European Union's Constitution. Some of its shortcomings are explored, and the complications and difficulties that have arisen as a result of the constitution are also studied. The paper also looks at the legal implications of creating a European Constitution with respect to implementation, the appeals process, and dispute resolution.

From the Paper
"The civil justice system in the United Kingdom is based on the precedent of common law rather than the "code Napoleon" of France and other European countries. In many ways, this has made it extremely successful: Hernando de Soto and others have commented on how the nature of private property had first been enunciated properly in the English-speaking word, and how civil institutions such as consumer lending were soon to follow. To many, the English system is a model for the world. However, the current system has developed internal complexities, which make it unintelligible to the layman."

Tags:civil, justice, system, europe, constitution, convention, laws, democratic

Abstract
The paper explores the degree to which the U.S. Constitution may be said to be "color-blind" and argues that the Constitution is not at all color-blind because it permits many instances of bigotry to go unchecked in private life. To bolster this claim, the paper places a great deal of emphasis upon the work of Dr. Neil Gotanda as well as the controversial case of Plessy v. Ferguson (1896) in which racism was seen to be upheld by the U.S. Supreme Court despite the eloquent protests of one of the presiding Justices. In the end, the paper concludes that there is simply too strong a case to be made that America's constitutional document is racially-biased (and frequently interpreted that way).

Tags:united, states, constitution

Abstract
This paper provides an essay on certain assigned provisions of the Constitution of the United States of America-namely Article 1, sections 1, 2, 4, 5, and 6 and on the 27th Amendment. The paper describes a requirement of each and the general principle(s) and any group or individual that has played a key role in writing this area of the Constitution.

Tags:provisions, constitution, united states

Abstract
This paper examines the separation of powers as they exist within the "unwritten" British Constitution. Specifically, the paper looks at how British governments cannot simply do as they wish, but rather must propose laws into existence with the support of parliament. The paper concludes by stating that the British Constitution is firmly based upon the notion that Parliament makes the laws and the Judiciary interprets the laws promulgated by the former.

From the Paper
"The following paper will look at the separation of powers as these exist within the "unwritten" British Constitution. Specifically, the paper will look at how British governments cannot simply do as they wish; rather, while they may administer statutes and programs, any legislative agenda they propose can only pass into existence with the support of parliament; in short, government might is constrained by parliamentary sovereignty. As well, case law in the United Kingdom has made it clear - at least recently - that Acts of Parliament can be classed "unconstitutional" via judicial review. Presumably, the judiciary is, in turn, constrained by the

Tags:separation, powers, constitution

Abstract
The nature of the U.S. Constitution is another of these perennial debates. A product of the American Revolution, some historians regard it as evidence of the revolutionary nature of the new Republic. However, other historians argue that it was a reactionary document designed to mitigate political and social change in the wake of the severance of the connection to Great Britain. Was the Constitution an attempt to prevent internal disruption in the wake of international dispute? The following brief discussion will address this issue.

Tags:us, constitution

Abstract
This paper explains that the Articles of Confederation allowed states the ability to create their own laws and govern citizens prior to the ratification of the constitution. The paper also discusses the weakness of such a system, pointing out that under it federal authority was very weak and failed to unify the states, regulate taxation or control commerce. In the years previous to the ratification of the US Constitution, the country was experiencing rebellion and the growing tensions and unrest in the states was creating a sense that the nation would experience destruction if action were not taken. The paper further explains that because of these conditions, the concept of altering the framework for the nation was proposed and supported by federalists who were all of the wealthiest Americans. These individuals contended that there had to be strong federal government that would serve as a universal body over the states and control how the nation functioned economically, militarily and through law.

Tags:constitution, federalists, anti, federalists

Abstract
This paper looks at many issues: the Constitution and the role of the congress within that framework; the ambitions and shortcomings of federal agencies like FEMA and DHS, the role of the press in America's constitutional republic; and why a flat tax would pay off handsomely for the United States - and especially for the least-fortunate members of American society. Lastly, judicial activism is also analyzed.

From the Paper
"The First Amendment of U.S. Constitution demonstrates that the Founders were extremely suspicious of the government's ability to abuse its power and violate the liberties of the people. The Amendment states that: "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances." The press - now including both print and electronic - has often been ..."

Tags:united, states, constitution

Abstract
In this article, the writer discusses what would be the important provisions of a constitution and why they are important. The writer argues that constitutions provide protection from oppression and discrimination. The writer then addresses two major approaches to the problem of government.

From the Paper
"Constitutionalism is described by Kermit L Hall as a form of political thought and action that seeks to prevent tyranny and to guarantee the liberty and rights of individuals on which free society depends. Constitutionalism addresses the perennial problem of how to establish and maintain a government with enough power to realize a community's shared purposes yet structured and controlled in a manner such that oppression will be prevented. Two major approaches to the problem of government have been employed. In one approach the ..."

Tags:constitution, amendments, government, oppression, discrimination