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Explore the pivotal Convention of 1836 in Texas where independence was declared, grievances against Santa Anna were listed, a constitution was written, and a new government formed.
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TexasRoad to Independence The Convention of 1836
The Convention Declares Independence • The Convention of 1836 began on March 1, with 59 delegates meeting in Washington on the Brazos. • Most delegates were white males from America. Only 2 members were native Texans (Lorenzo de Zavalahad been born in Mexico). • The convention voted to write a declaration of independence. • The declaration was written by George C. Childress, from Tennessee.
The Convention Declares Independence • The Texas Declaration listed grievances against Santa Anna: • The government of Santa Anna had violated the liberties guaranteed under the Mexican Constitution of 1824. • Charged that Texans had been deprived of freedom of religion. • The right to trial by jury. • Right to bear arms. • Right to petition, or formal request, from the government. • Mexico had failed to provide a system of public education. • The Declaration was approved and signed on March 2, 1836.
The Delegates Write a Constitution • After declaring independence, Texas now needed a constitution (written plan of government) for the new republic. • Sections of the Texas Constitution were copied from the United States Constitution. • Texas made 3 branches of government: • Executive – carry out laws (president and vice president) *3 year terms • Legislative – makes laws (congress) • Judicial – interprets laws (court system)
The Delegates Write a Constitution • The Texas Constitution contained a Bill of Rights, guaranteeing: • Freedom of speech • Freedom of the press • Freedom of religion • Trial by jury • Voting age -21 years (U.S. – 18 years) • The Texas Constitution made slavery legal. • Free African Americans were not permitted to live in the Republic of Texas without congressional permission.
A New Government • Unable to hold elections until a later date, the convention set up a temporary government. • David G. Burnett was chosen as the temporary president of Texas and Lorenzo de Zavala as vice-president. • In September 1836, Texans voted for the republic’s new constitution. • On October 22, 1836, Sam Houston was chosen as the first president of the Republic of Texas.