The purpose of the Texas government - according to Article 3, Section 48 of the original 1876 Constitution

A nice addition to our look at public policy: 

SEC. 48. The Legislature shall not have the right to levy taxes or impose burdens upon the people, except to raise revenue sufficient for the economical administration of the government, in which may be included the following purposes:

- The payment of all interest upon the bonded debt of the State;

- The erection and repairs of public buildings;

- The benefit of the sinking fund, which shall not be more than two per centum of the public debt; and for the payment of the present floating debt of the State, including matured bonds for the payment of which the sinking fund is inadequate;

- The support of public schools, in which shall be included colleges and universities established by the State; and the maintenance and support of the Agricultural and Mechanical College of Texas.

- The payment of the cost of assessing and collecting the revenue; and the payment of all officers, agents and employees of the State government, and all incidental expenses connected therewith;

- The enforcement of quarantine regulations on the coast of Texas;

- The protection of the frontier.