The chart plots the length in words of present-day state and U.S. constitutions against date of adoption. It also plots length and adoption date for each of the eight constitutions of Texas. In general, constitutions early in U.S. history tended to be concise frameworks of government like the U.S. constitution. But typical state constitutional length expanded to cover the more detailed administration expected of state governments during and after the Civil War. Texas constitutions also became longer. But in the rounds of constitutional revision in the late twentieth century, states have usually shorted their fundamental law. The length of the Texas constitution, however, which has not been revised since its ratification in 1876, has ballooned with the numerous amendments required by the state's tremendous growth and economic diversification.