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Constitutional convention meets in Austin
On this day in 1875, the Constitutional Convention of 1875 met in
Austin. The convention grew out of the determination of Texas Democrats
to eliminate the radical Constitution of 1869. Edward B. Pickett
presided over the convention, which adjourned in late November after
adopting the new Constitution of 1876 by a vote of fifty-three to
eleven. Dissatisfaction with the Constitution of 1869--which forbade
slavery, strengthened the office of the governor, and centralized law
enforcement--and with the administration of Governor Edmund J. Davis
prompted provisions to decentralize the state government. The new
constitution placed restrictions on salaries, expenditures, taxes, and
the state debt. It also abolished state banks, limited some activities
of corporations and railroads, and placed term limits on many public
offices. The Constitution of 1876 was approved by the state's voters in
February 1876 and remains the basic organic law of Texas.
- Links to Related Handbook of Texas Online Articles
- CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTION OF 1875
- CONSTITUTION OF 1876
- CONSTITUTION OF 1869
- PICKETT, EDWARD BRADFORD
- DAVIS, EDMUND JACKSON
- RECONSTRUCTION
- Links to other Web sites (will be opened in new browser window)
- Texas Constitution of 1876
- Other Texas Day by Day Articles for This Date
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