Introduction
For decades, there has been an ongoing debate about the need to reform the Texas Constitution. On the one hand, the existing policy has created the prerequisites for a purchasable system of power that is received by the one who pays the most, on the other hand, it has made it possible to achieve good economic indicators and job growth.
Discussion
The Texas Constitution was adopted in 1876 and is based on the idea of ​​popular sovereignty. Nevertheless, most modern researchers agree that it is outdated and does not meet the modern requirements of people. The most commonly pointed out is that the Texas Constitution “is a long list of specific rules rather than a set of fundamental legal principles for state law.” (Collier, Galatas, & Harrelson-Stephens, 2020). The structure of the Texas Constitution is quite intricate, and its text is one of the longest in the United States. The judicial system in Texas also has a reputation for being one of the most complex in the world. The governor appoints judges to vacant positions, the result is members of the judiciary are constantly looking for funds to participate in election campaigns.
The fact that Texas has achieved economic autonomy and succeeded in creating new jobs cannot be ignored. Grieder calls the Texas governing philosophy “the Texas model” and explains the success of this model through the state’s tax policy — zero personal income tax and low rates on other taxes (2013). However, economic growth cannot be sustainable without investing in infrastructure, and education, ignoring issues of climate change and the income gap between rich and poor. The solution to these problems requires the consolidated efforts of the state and society.
Conclusion
Today, Texas is not the land of cowboys and farmers, it is a modern state with developed industries and a diverse population. Consequently, the present constitution does not respond to the request of society and needs to be changed. At the same time, at the stage of reform, one cannot ignore the history of the State, the individuality and love of freedom of the Texans.
References
Collier, K., Galatas, S., & Harrelson-Stephens, J. (2020). Lone Star Politics: Tradition and Transformation in Texas. CQ Press.
Grieder, E. (2014). Big, hot, cheap, and right: What America can learn from the strange genius of Texas. Public Affairs.