Texas Constitution
How has the Texas Constitution changed? – ESSAY
As you’ve read in your text, changes to the Texas Constitution are proposed by the state legislature, but can only be approved by a majority vote in a statewide election. In 2013, the Texas Legislature voted to propose 10 amendments, which were all approved by voters.
This year, the legislature was able to reach a 2/3 majority in the House and Senate for seven proposed changes. Voters had an opportunity to decide whether not to make each change last month in the November 3 election.
One measure, Proposition 6, was written to give Texans a constitutional right to hunt and fish.
Texans can already hunt and fish, but this amendment was presented as a preventive measure from any possible legislative action that could limit the right. Supporters are worried about possible pressure from animal rights or environmental groups.
The amendment says hunting and fishing is the preferred way for Texans to maintain and conserve wildlife. Critics say that could cause confusion about endangered, threatened or non-game species, some of which are protected by federal and state laws.
What do you think?
Write an essay (3 – 5 pages, double-spaced – MLA format, cited sources). Make sure your essay tells your reader:
1. The number and author of the joint resolution proposing this amendment.
2. What the proposed amendment would do.
3. Arguments for and against.
4. Who you think might have been for it and against it (Hint: see who testified at the hearing, and who they represented).
5. Why you think it was a good idea or a bad idea.
6. What did Texas voters decide?
Submit in Word. Cite your sources.
Resources
For this assignment, read the House Research Organization’s report on Proposition 6: http://www.hro.house.state.tx.us/pdf/focus/amend84.pdf
If you need more, look at the Texas Legislative Council’s version, too: http://www.tlc.state.tx.us/pubsconamend/analyses15/analyses15.pdf
The Texas Tribune tells how the election came out: http://www.texastribune.org/2015/11/03/texas-statewide-2015-election-results/
Answer Previewamendments that were proposed by the legislature, but, its only 662 amendments which have been subjected to the consent of the voters. The voters on the other hand, have approved 484 constitutional amendments, but have disapproved…