Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member Latest Breaking News Editorials & Other Articles General Discussion The DU Lounge All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

HelpImSurrounded

(558 posts)
Sun Oct 6, 2019, 02:24 PM Oct 2019

Can we fix the Texas constitution?

The TX constitution is a design failure. We shouldn't be having constitutional amendments for bond issues and every other minor issue.

Can we fix it so these simply become voter propositions but not amendments?

6 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
Can we fix the Texas constitution? (Original Post) HelpImSurrounded Oct 2019 OP
Maybe, if the Democrats ever get back in. flying_wahini Oct 2019 #1
There is no real will to write and pass an new constitution in Texas TexasProgresive Oct 2019 #2
Ok step 1 HelpImSurrounded Oct 2019 #3
I think the problem is the nature of the beast. TexasProgresive Oct 2019 #4
I have some experience in this HelpImSurrounded Oct 2019 #5
Be sure to enter the pics in the DU photo competition - a sure winner. TexasProgresive Oct 2019 #6

flying_wahini

(8,211 posts)
1. Maybe, if the Democrats ever get back in.
Sun Oct 6, 2019, 02:36 PM
Oct 2019


The Republicans couldn’t get it right if their lives depended on it

TexasProgresive

(12,614 posts)
2. There is no real will to write and pass an new constitution in Texas
Sun Oct 6, 2019, 02:52 PM
Oct 2019

The last attempt iirc was in 1974. Everyone knows its a mess but no one really has a clue how to fix it.

HelpImSurrounded

(558 posts)
3. Ok step 1
Sun Oct 6, 2019, 03:50 PM
Oct 2019

An amendment creating a voter proposition mechanism to replace amendments, i.e. we'll put a hold on new amendments

2. Implement a mechanism to sunset or archive time-dependent amendments. I.e. these are done, let's pull them out.

These will allow us to slowly simplify the constitution without a massive rewrite.

TexasProgresive

(12,614 posts)
4. I think the problem is the nature of the beast.
Sun Oct 6, 2019, 04:28 PM
Oct 2019

It needs to be drowned in the deepest cave in Jacob's Well. My mother said (sure it's true she's my Mom) that in Texas we use amendments were other states have laws or something like that. This constitution was written as a response to the reconstruction constitution after the end of the Civil War.

HelpImSurrounded

(558 posts)
5. I have some experience in this
Mon Oct 7, 2019, 09:01 AM
Oct 2019

I tried cleaning up the bylaws of a neighborhood organization. Nobody wanted to participate, then screamed bloody murder at the result and prevented any vote.

Now magnify that by... Texas and you can see that I am an eternal optimist. Now if you'll excuse me I'm gonna go photograph wild unicorns.

Latest Discussions»Region Forums»Texas»Can we fix the Texas cons...