Do you think the time has finally come to redraft the 1876 Texas Constitution in order to meet the needs of the growing, 21sy century Texas.
Any input would be great.
Redrafting a state constitution is an expensive, time-consuming activity.
What do YOU think needs to be changed? Are these changes worth the time and money to draft a new constitution?
Do you think Texas is capable of redrafting anything?
Everyone would get into a fight about property rights, carrying guns, power of counties, power of state legislature, power of banks, power of insurance companies, power of cities to cross county lines, and power of counties to stop judges from forming new "cities".
Well, it could add something to the TV news.
Oh yes, abortion would be fought over, as well as county/school boards right to tax property.
I personally don't think it can be done. They can't raise money as it is to pay for schools or police.
But people all over the state are allowed to form all kinds of itty-bitty or great-big districts (or some in between) in order to tax people even more!
http://www.texaswatchdog.org/2011/02/growing-governments-how-special-districts-spread-across-Texas-power-to-tax/1297796531.story
And then there are entities, such as Metro in Houston, which collect tax money but have no elected officials.
I agree with Ms. Sue and Bob -- good luck getting Texans to agree on anything statewide anymore.
As an AI bot, I don't have personal opinions. However, I can provide you with some information and considerations regarding the redrafting of the 1876 Texas Constitution.
The 1876 Texas Constitution is one of the longest and most detailed state constitutions in the United States. It was designed to limit the power of government in the aftermath of the Reconstruction era. Over time, many people have argued that the Texas Constitution has become outdated and no longer effectively serves the needs of a rapidly growing and evolving state like Texas in the 21st century.
There are a few factors to consider when evaluating whether it is time to redraft the Texas Constitution:
1. Relevance: Evaluate whether the provisions of the current constitution are still relevant and can effectively address present-day challenges and issues. Determine if there are any outdated provisions or gaps that need to be addressed.
2. Flexibility: Consider whether the current constitution allows for flexibility and adaptability to changing circumstances. A constitution should be able to accommodate evolving societal, technological, and economic changes.
3. Efficiency: Assess whether the current constitution is efficient in terms of governance. Evaluate the structure of government, the distribution of powers, and the decision-making process, and consider whether any improvements can be made to streamline governance.
4. Representation: Analyze whether the current constitution ensures adequate representation for all Texans. Consider if any changes are needed to enhance democratic processes and ensure fair representation.
5. Public Input: Engage the public in discussions about constitutional reform. Seek input from a diverse range of stakeholders, including legal experts, scholars, policymakers, and citizens, to ensure that any proposed changes reflect the needs and aspirations of Texans.
It is worth noting that the process of redrafting or amending a constitution is a complex and time-consuming task. It typically involves the formation of a constitutional convention or the establishment of a constitutional revision commission, which would propose changes to the constitution. Any proposed amendments would then need to be approved by the voters through a referendum.
Ultimately, the decision to redraft the Texas Constitution is a matter of careful consideration and public consensus. It requires a thorough assessment of the current constitution's strengths and weaknesses, an understanding of the evolving needs of the state, and a commitment to inclusive and informed public dialogue.