State-Federal Relations Archives

Political History Texas Law and Statutes

The 10th Amendment in Texas Politics and Federal Jurisprudence

The Tenth Amendment is a foundational principle of American government that shapes how power is distributed between the national and state levels.

editorJune 7, 2025

Political History

The Road to Annexation: Why Texas Joined the United States in 1845

In 1845, Texas became the 28th state. This in-depth article explores the diplomacy and political intrigue behind annexation.

editorMay 17, 2025

Political History

Can Texas Secede from the United States?

Legal precedent clashes with popular imagination in the only state that was once a sovereign nation.

editorMay 15, 2025

Political History

The Impact of the ‘New Deal’ on Texas Politics and Society

The New Deal helped modernize Texas infrastructure and government—but not without sparking fierce debates over federal control and local autonomy.

editorMay 27, 2025

First page of the 1845 joint resolution in the U.S. Congress to annex Texas, using old typeface.

Political History

Texas’ Little-Known Right to Split Itself into 5 States

Uniquely among U.S. states, Texas was admitted to the Union with a pre-approved 'entitlement' to further divide itself into up to five states.

editorNovember 21, 2022

Executive Branch

Military Forces of Texas

Understanding the role of the Texas Army and Air National Guard

editorNovember 21, 2022

Executive Branch

The Adjutant General of Texas is the state’s highest-ranking military officer, commanding the Texas Military Department and leading Guard operations for disaster relief, homeland security, and immigration enforcement.

editorMay 19, 2025

Judiciary

Federal Courts in Texas

Texas is home to four federal judicial districts, which handle different cases from state courts.

editorNovember 18, 2022