USA HISTORY

Detailed explanation-1: -The Constitution of 1876 remains in force. Unlike the 1869 constitution, the 1876 constitution generally reflected public opinion in Texas at its time of drafting. While still in force, the 1876 constitution has been amended hundreds of times.

Detailed explanation-2: -Much of that length comes from its status as one of the most amended state constitutions; only the Alabama and California constitutions have been amended more often. From 1876 to 2022 (the end of the 87th Legislature), the Texas Legislature proposed 700 constitutional amendments.

Detailed explanation-3: -The current (and fourth) Texas Constitution was adopted in 1876. The current constitution has been amended 517 times. The most recent amendments to the Texas Constitution, of which there were two, were approved by voters in 2022.

Detailed explanation-4: -The current constitution was born out of Texans’ reaction to the abuses of power and the centralization of government during the Reconstruction years of 1869–1874.

Detailed explanation-5: -Since 1876, the legislature has proposed 700 constitutional amendments. Of those amendments, 517 have been approved by the electorate, 180 have been defeated, and three amendments never made it to the ballot.