Theu.s. And Texas Documents - 1184 Words

A Constitution serves to establish a government, and act as a guide and a reference. It encapsulates the ideals of a citizenry, and delegates powers to a central government. Federal and state governments utilize distinct Constitutions tailored to the specific needs and challenges of governing at the national and local levels. The two Constitutions are in existence for different purposes and cultural situations. On a basic level, however, they both serve similar functions. Both the U.S. and Texas documents include the concept of Federalism in establishing their respective governments, a key similarity. They establish a bicameral system of legislature, the House and Senate. In addition, both serve to create a system of decentralized government power, achieving a separation of powers through a system of checks and balances. Governmental power in both documents divide into a Legislative, Judicial and Executive branch. This system of separation of powers is a key feature of a representative Democracy. The two Constitutions also include a Bill of Rights, meant to protect specific civil liberties of notable value. The two Bills of Rights cover many of the same liberties (such as freedom of religion) although the Texas Constitution does include more expressly named individual liberties. Historically, the original intention of the Framers for the Federal Constitution embraced the philosophy of creating a government contrary to a monarchy. For this reason, the Federal Constitution is