What is a primary function of the Texas Constitution?

The primary function of the Texas Constitution is to limit government powers. Constitutions serve to outline the structure and functions of government, but a crucial aspect of this is the establishment of checks and balances that restrict the powers of various government branches. In doing so, the Texas Constitution protects the rights of individuals and ensures that no single entity within the government can overstep its bounds. This emphasis on limiting government authority is essential to maintaining a democratic system and safeguarding citizens’ liberties, reflecting the foundational principle of governance by consent.

The other options, while they pertain to governmental functions, do not encapsulate the primary role of the Texas Constitution as effectively. For instance, formalizing state laws is a function of legislative bodies, but it operates within the framework established by the Constitution rather than being its primary function. Similarly, while the establishment of a criminal justice system is critical, it is a component of the broader legal framework defined by the Constitution, rather than its primary purpose. Controlling the media falls outside the typical scope of constitutional functions, which focus on governance rather than regulating communication channels.