The Texas Constitution of 1836 indeed legalized slavery and established a different governmental structure compared to the U.S. Constitution. This constitution was significantly influenced by the political and social context of Texas during its struggle for independence from Mexico. Unlike the U.S. Constitution, which sought to create a federal structure of governance with a clear separation of powers and a bill of rights to guarantee individual freedoms, the Texas Constitution was more focused on immediate state governance and issues, such as the institution of slavery, which was a contentious topic at that time.
The legalization of slavery is particularly notable, as it reflected the agricultural economy and the social structure prevalent in Texas, similar to other southern states. Moreover, the governmental structure set forth in the Texas Constitution established a different balance of power, emphasizing a more direct form of governance suitable for a newly independent territory. Understanding these differences helps to appreciate the distinct identity Texas sought to forge during a pivotal moment in its history.