TX Brief Hist

From dKosopedia

Category: Texas

Prior to becoming a state in 1845, Texas was a Republic for ten years after winning independence from Mexico following a revolution in 1835-36.

While Texas' government most closely follows Anglo-American traditions, Spanish and Mexican influences are apparent as the area was under the control of Spain and Mexico (as well as France) prior to independence.

Early government in Texas was founded on ideals of protection of personal property--especially from forced seizure to satisfy debt.

The state's first constitution was adopted in 1845 as a condition of admission to the United States. This constitution established a structure of government that, with few modifications, exists to the present day: a bicameral legislature with biennial regular sessions and various offices of the executive branch and judiciary. The first constitution also inculded a burdensom amendment process that requires two thirds of both houses of the legislature to approve any amendment to be followed by a general election in which a simple majority of voters must approve amendments.

The chief executive office, that of governor, is generally regarded as one of less power than that of lieutenant governor, who as president and presiding officer of the state senate has the power to direct the agenda of the legislature.

The state has been under the control of the Democratic party except for two notable occasions, the first in 1869 and the second following the election of 2002.

The governor, lieutenant governor, comptroller of public accounts, land commissioner, agriculture commissioner, members of the Railroad Commission of Texas and formerly the state treasurer are elected at large by the state's voters. Judges of the state's two high courts--the Supreme Court of Texas for civil matters and the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals for criminal causes--are also elected on partisan ballots.

The state also has other government units including counties, cities (or municipalities, towns and villages) and special districts.