Comparative Constitutions

Guidelines:

Be sure to follow all formatting guidelines provided in the syllabus. Your final work product must have a cover page with a word count, an

essay that is 4-6 pages in length and a works cited page. The minimum writing requirement expectation is two full pages. If the minimum

expectations are not met, the assignment will be marked incomplete. Be sure to provide a proper citation in MLA or APA format for all works

consulted on a separate works cited page.

A minimum of three scholarly sources must be cited in the essay. Non-scholarly sources can be cited, but they will not count toward the three

scholarly source requirement.

Essay Questions:

• What are the similarities and differences between the US Constitution and the modern Texas Constitution?
– Possible topics of discussion on this key question include: the historical and cultural background, the constitutional ideology and legal

philosophy on the role of government, the framework and processes of the three main branches, the stratification among the various levels of

government, the role each has in the economy, and the liberties provided in each bill of rights.
• What do scholars identify as the greatest strengths and weaknesses of each constitution? What are the merits of these arguments?
• What aspects of the Texas Constitution could be used to improve governance at the federal level? Suggest specific reforms for improved

governance.
• What aspects of the US Constitution could be used to improve governance at the state level in Texas? Suggest specific reforms for improved

governance.