Preamble to the Texas Constitution

Adopted February 15, 1876:

Humbly invoking the blessings of Almighty God, the people of the State of Texas, do ordain and establish this Constitution.

Editor Comments

This introductory provision has no independent legal effect.

However, the reference to "Almighty God" may inform the interpretation of Article I, Section 6.

That section and Sections 4, 5, 6-a and 7 of the same article concern religion.

None.

Bass v. Albright, 59 S.W.2d 891, 895 (Tex.Civ.App.–Texarkana 1933, ref'd) ("As a method of legislation, in order to avoid unnecessary verbiage, express reference may be made to laws . . . . Therefore as the Constitution was adopted by vote of the people and as the ordinance was an integral part of it, such ordinance must be considered as legally adopted by vote of the people upon its submission to them. As a consequence the execution in evidence would then be existing and valid at the date of the levy and the sale. The Constitution became effective on April 18, 1876, at which date the execution was not functus officio but valid.")

Vernon's Annotated Constitution of the State of Texas (this multi-volume and up-to-date resource is available at all law libraries and many municipal libraries)

The Texas State Constitution: A Reference Guide (this one-volume resource is available at most law libraries and some municipal libraries)

The Constitution of the State of Texas: An Annotated and Comparative Analysis (this two-volume resource is available at most law libraries and some municipal libraries)

Constitution of the State of Texas (1876) (this resource is published and maintained by the University of Texas School of Law)

Amendments to the Texas Constitution Since 1876 (this resource is published and regularly updated by the Legislative Council)

Reports Analyzing Proposed Amendments (this resource is published and regularly updated by the Legislative Reference Library)