Executive Legislative Judicial Executive

The role of state constitutions

In contrast to the U.S. Constitution, 

which is broadly written, state constitu-

tions can be very detailed and specifi c. 

Many state constitutions go on for pages 

describing, for example, the rules for is-

suing bonds or defi ning the jurisdiction of 

various state courts. Why so much detail 

in state constitutions?  One reason is that 

they are more readily amended than the 

U.S. Constitution. In most states, approval 

by a majority of voters in a statewide elec-

tion is all that is required.

Another reason is that states, in 

contrast to the federal government, are 

largely free to exercise any power not 

prohibited to them. In order to effectively 

restrict state government powers, the 

restrictions must be spelled out in the 

state’s constitution.

Finally, most states are required by 

their constitutions to have a balanced 

budget. Exceptions, such as borrowing to 

fi nance transportation or other construc-

tion projects, must be provided for in the 

constitution.

State legislatures rival state governors’ offi ces in power 

at the state level.   In this 2003 photo, a Texas state 

senator uses her laptop in the state Senate chamber to 

check some data.

A state legislator in Texas signals an “aye” vote on the 

fl oor of the Texas House of Representatives during fi nal 

passage of a school fi nance tax proposal, 2005.   His 

bill then headed to the state Senate for further debate, 

as Texas has a bicameral legislature.

H

OW THE

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